1884 - Spencerian System of Penmanship, No. 5 (American Educational Series, 1884)

Oblong 8vo; (1-2), 24, (3-4)pp. Very Good with light soil and wear to extremities. The first 12 pages of this example have a transcription of a French poem, "Reine's Revenge." The remaining pages are unused. Each page has two fractions and a full sentence intended for copying. 

The revised “American Educational Series” Spencerian System, published in 1884 by Ivison, Blakeman & Co., remarked that, “New methods of teaching have called for the changes to the purpose and scope of writing exercises..." Though copy books were still peppered with important facts about George Washington, the Erie Canal, and world geography—traditional specimens like, “Avoid evil companions”, were increasingly supplemented by phrases with shrewder undertones.  Phrases like “On their own merits, sensible men are silent,” and “Many value character less than reputation” promote behavior necessary to succeed, rather than a moral standard of decorum. Some of the specimen sentences in Book 5 of the series pointedly reflect the prioritization of commercial success, verging on propaganda.

Labor, well directed, will achieve all things.
Constant occupation prevents temptation.
Drive your business, let not that drive you.
Unskilled workmen will blame their tools.