The Palmer Method

[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.

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[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]

Here's a page from my great-grandfather's Maths book.

[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.