Applause.)

3. Parentheses enclosing interrogation points or exclamation points are
sometimes introduced into a sentence to cast doubt on a statement or to
express surprise or contempt.

He said that on the fifth of January (?) he was in New York.

This most excellent (!) gentleman.

4. Parentheses are used, generally in pairs, sometimes singly, to
enclose the reference letters or figures used to mark division and
classification in arguments or in precise statements.

This is done because: (a) it is clearer; (b) it is shorter.

These signs may be printed in several ways.

(a) a) (^a) ^a) (1) 1) (^1) ^1)

The old-fashioned form of parenthesis, always made too thin, may need a
thin space between it and its adjoining character when it is placed too
close to any letter that nearly fills the body in height, as in
( Hall ). The space may not be needed when the proximate character has a
shoulder, as in ( Art), or when the parenthesis follows a period.)

The italic form of parenthesis is objectionable in book work.
Distinction is sought for the word in italic and not for the parenthesis
enclosing the word. The italic parenthesis may be used in job-work or
full display lines of italic letters.

THE BRACKET

Brackets are used in pairs, like the parentheses. In Job composition
either brackets or parentheses may be used, as suits the fancy or is
convenient. In descriptive text matter, however, brackets should not be
used where parentheses are clearly indicated.

_Rules for the Use of the Bracket_

1. To enclose words or phrases which are entirely independent of the
rest of the sentence.

The enclosed words are usually comments, queries, corrections,
criticisms, or directions inserted by some person other than the
original writer or speaker.

2. To enclose passages of doubtful authenticity in reprints of early
manuscripts, special amendments to bills under legislative
consideration, or any other portions of a text which need peculiar
identification.

3. In legal or ecclesiastical papers to indicate numerical words which
may have to be changed, or to indicate where details are to be supplied.

This is the first [_second or third_] publication.

The officers shall remain in office [_here state the time_] or until
their successors are duly qualified.

4. To avoid the confusion caused by a parenthesis within a parenthesis.

5. A single bracket is used to enclose the ending o