Bookbinding and the Conservation of Books
A Dictionary of Descriptive Terminology

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thumb index ( thumb cuts )

A type of INDEX which utilizes a series of rounded notches cut into the fore edge of the book. Each generally has a label bearing a letter or letters indicating the arrangement. The index proceeds from head to tail and front to back of the volume. The maximum number of thumb cuts, and therefore the number of letters represented by each, depends on the height and thickness of the book. The thumb index is used principally for Bibles and dictionaries. The cuts are usually made by a machine designed for the purpose. Also called "cut-in index." (264 )




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