In the town-books of Nuremberg, the term _Formschneider_-- figure-cutter,--the name appropriated to engravers on wood, first occurs in 1449;[II-3] and as it is found in subsequent years mentioned in the same page with “Kartenmaler,” it seems reasonable to conclude that in 1449, and probably earlier, the business of the wood-engraver proper, and that of the card-maker, were distinct. The primary meaning of the word _form_ or _forma_ is almost precisely the same in most of the European languages. It has erroneously been explained, in its relation to wood engraving, as signifying a _mould_, whereas it simply means a shape or figure. The model of wood which the carpenter makes for the metal-founder is properly a _form_, and from it the latter prepares his mould in the sand. The word _form_, however, in course of time declined from its primary signification, and came to be used as expressive both of a model and a mould. The term _Formschneider_, which was originally used to distinguish the professed engraver of figures from the mere engraver and colourer of cards, is still used in Germany to denote what we term a wood-engraver. [Footnote II-3: In the town-books of Nuremberg a Hans _Formansneider_ occurs so early as 1397, which De Murr says is not meant for “wood engraver,” but is to be read thus: _Hans Forman, Schneider_; that is, “Ihon Forman, maister-fashionere,” or, in modern phrase, “tailor.” The word “_Karter_” also occurs in the same year, but it is meant for a carder, or wool-comber, and not for a card-maker.--C. G. Von Murr, Journal, 2 Theil, S. 99.] About the time that the term _Formschneider_ first occurs we find _Briefmalers_ mentioned, and at a later period _Briefdruckers_-- card-printers; and, though there evidently was a distinction between the two professions, yet we find that between 1470 and 1500 the _Briefmalers_ not only engraved figures occasionally, but also printed books. The _Formschneiders_ and the _Briefmalers_, however, continued to form but one guild or fellowship till long after the art of wood-engraving had made rapid strides towards perfection, under the superintendence of such masters as Durer, Burgmair, and Holbein, in the same manner as the barbers and surgeons in our own country continued to form but one company, though the “chirurgeon had long ceased to trim beards and cut hair, and the barber had given up bleeding and purging to devote himself more exclusively to the ornamental branch of his original profession.” “_Kartenmacher_ and _Kartenmaler_” says Von Murr, “or _Briefmaler_, as they were afterwards called [1473], were known in Germany eighty years previous to the invention of book-printing. The Kartenmacher was originally a Formschneider, though, after the practice of cutting figures of saints and of sacred subjects was introduced, a distinction began to be established between the two professions.”