Italic Type
, We are indebted to the above-named
printer for the invention of this beautiful
type.
It was at his printing-office in
Venice that he introduced the particular letter
which is known to most of the nations in
Europe as “Italic.” By the Germans it is called
“Cursiv.” It was dedicated to the State of
Italy to prevent any dispute that might arise
from other nations claiming a priority, as was
the case concerning the first inventor
of printing.
As soon as Aldus perfected this fount, he
obtained a privilege from three several popes
for the sole use of it during the space of fifteen
years; and these pontiffs give him great encomiums
on the invention.