THE WRITING OF ENGLISH IN ABSTRACTS AND REPORTS

Every man has his King Charles's head, and the writing of English is mine. Some people imagine that you cannot write, or write about, good English unless you have a long list of impressive letters after your name. I have none at all, and for that very reason I am something of an authority on the subject. You see, I have never been able to assume that, having passed examinations in it, I've got rid of English once and for all and need no longer take an interest in it or give it my attention. When I read some of the slovenly English written to‐day, and observe the academic qualifications of the folk who write it, I feel glad I have no degree in the subject. My qualification for talking about English is the simple one that for nearly forty years I have earned my living and a little literary distinction by writing it, and have never stopped studying its complexities.