Expert shows how pens should be held

Editor—Having married a doctor many years ago, I am aware that doctors are generally without fault. But Minerva's request for instruction on how to pick up a pen reminds me that many medical practitioners could profit from advice on how to hold one once they have managed to pick it up.¹

The figure shows two possible writing positions for a pen, and experimentation will show which affords a relaxed hold and which is likely to give writer's cramp. Any change of hold is likely to take a month's practice before it feels natural.

Unfortunately, this advice will not affect the legibility of the handwriting, on which subject I would not presume to advise doctors.

Figure.

Diagrams showing correct way to hold a pen and way that may cause writer's cramp