The Palmer Method

Plates, sheets, pens, ink, pencils, paper; the tools and techniques of analogue notation.
Post Reply
John Ruggero
Posts: 2594
Joined: 05 Oct 2015, 14:25
Location: Raleigh, NC USA

The Palmer Method

Post by John Ruggero »

A recent discussion at Finale Forum concerning hand copying brought up the "Palmer Method" a method of handwriting that was taught in US grade schools as late as the 1960s. It gave one a beautiful script and ability to write for long periods without tiring. Here are some pages from my wife's copy of the little book they used. If I had learned this method I probably would have a much better handwriting and wouldn't have this bump on the side of the right third finger.
Palmer Method 1.png
Palmer Method 1.png (513.72 KiB) Viewed 18266 times
Palmer Method 2.png
Palmer Method 2.png (591.7 KiB) Viewed 18266 times
Palmer Method 3.png
Palmer Method 3.png (527.78 KiB) Viewed 18266 times
Palmer Method 4.png
Palmer Method 4.png (590.45 KiB) Viewed 18266 times
Palmer Method 5.png
Palmer Method 5.png (546.39 KiB) Viewed 18266 times
M1 Mac mini (OS 12.4), Dorico, Finale 25.5, GPO 4, Affinity Publisher 2, SmartScore 64 Pro, JW Plug-ins, TG Tools, Keyboard maestro

http://www.cantilenapress.com
benwiggy
Posts: 930
Joined: 11 Apr 2016, 19:42

Re: The Palmer Method

Post by benwiggy »

I keep the paper straight, perpendicular to the desk, and the line from my elbow to pen is straight down, and perpendicular to my body.
The pen rests on my third finger, while my first and thumb act like tweezers either side.
benwiggy
Posts: 930
Joined: 11 Apr 2016, 19:42

Re: The Palmer Method

Post by benwiggy »

Here's a page from my great-grandfather's Maths book.
Attachments
Multiplication.png
Multiplication.png (1.56 MiB) Viewed 12165 times
John Ruggero
Posts: 2594
Joined: 05 Oct 2015, 14:25
Location: Raleigh, NC USA

Re: The Palmer Method

Post by John Ruggero »

Beautiful script. Ledgers of the most mundane kind were works of art.

I learned to hold a pencil as you do, but applied too much downward pressure against my third finger. Arnstein spotted this while I was copying music and the resulting bump, and gave me a good lecture. My wife said that as they wrote, the teacher would walk among them and suddenly snatch a pencil. If it didn't come out of the hand without effort, the student was given a demerit.

I rarely see anyone holding a pencil like this now.
M1 Mac mini (OS 12.4), Dorico, Finale 25.5, GPO 4, Affinity Publisher 2, SmartScore 64 Pro, JW Plug-ins, TG Tools, Keyboard maestro

http://www.cantilenapress.com
Post Reply