Engineering in Typesetting: An Harmonic System for Computer Controlled Typesetting.

A new system for specifying individual letter widths for precise typographic work is proposed. This system, identified as the Harmonic Set System, is applicable to computer-controlled typesetting and may also be applicable to all new or redesigned type fonts. The properties of all of the letters and figures in each type font (one size of one style as produced by one hot-metal or photocomposition machine manufacturer) may be specified by as few as 3 numbers. Illustrative tables covering three typesetting manufacturers are given for more than 400 fonts of type. The system may be used in Octal Harmonic Set numbers and/or a basic em of 15 rather than relative 18 units. The adoption of this system will facilitate the use of computer-controlled typesetting.