THE USES OF ITALICS, The origin and use of italics

Italic has, in general, four uses:

1. for emphasis.
2. to set off a title, word, or passage from the context.
3. for running titles, sub-heads, the headings of tables, and other like places where something different from the text letter seems needed for variety.
4. for display purposes in commercial work.

One very important principle should always be observed in the use of italic for emphasis. Emphasis should always be used sparingly. Make the words do their work. Do not try to supplement poverty of thought and weakness of expression by italics, capitals, and other marks of emphasis. Where there is too much emphasis attempted no emphasis is secured. This fault was much more common formerly than now.