A letter is, in a way, a testimonial of the character and ability of the writer. The purpose of a business letter is to express just what you want and no more. Any man with a good common school education, and a little patient practice, can soon learn to write as good a business letter as the college graduate. Correct spelling may not be general, but it is certainly desirable. Letter writing, as in the preparation of other papers, has its own well-recognized forms, and these may be easily learned. Every properly constructed business letter should consist of the following parts: 1. Where written from. 2. When written. 3. To whom written. 4. Address. 5. Salutation. 6. Introduction. 7. Purpose of letter. 8. Complimentary ending. 9. Signature. THE HEADING The letter should begin by giving the address of the writer, followed by the date on which it was written. This will enable the recipient to direct his reply. If from a city, the street and number should be given. If many letters are written it will be convenient to have the permanent address of the writer printed. The writing should be plain, and there should be no doubt in the mind of the reader as to the proper spelling of the address and signature. Avoid the hieroglyphics which some vain men adopt in signing their names. It may be fanciful, but it does not imply consideration for the time and patience of strangers. The following forms will serve to illustrate the type of heading used in ordinary business letters: 1 124 Smith St., Brownsville, Mass. September 4, 1910. Mr. John Smith, Doylestown, Penna. Dear Sir: 2 Leroy, Mass., September 5, 1910. Messrs. Brown and Jones, Denver, Col. Gentlemen: 3 4 Seminole St., Fort Smith, Ark. September 6, 1910. Mrs. Mary J. Robinson, Lansing, Cal. Dear Madam: The "Mr.," "Mrs.," "Madam," and "Miss" are titles of courtesy and should not be omitted. The abbreviation "Esq." for Esquire is sometimes used; but the two titles Mr. and Esq. should never be used with one name, as "Mr. John Smith, Esq." If a man is known by a military or other title, always use it, but never precede it with "Mr." nor follow it with "Esq." Clergymen should always be addressed as "Rev.," the abbreviation for Reverend. If he is a doctor of divinity, add D.D. to the name, as "Rev. John Smith, D.D." Medical doctors may be addressed as "Dr. John Smith," or "John Smith, M.D." THE GREETING The greeting or salutation is a term of courtesy or esteem used in addressing the one to whom the letter is sent. "Sir" is the formal greeting, and is used in addressing officials, or any strange male person. "Sirs," or "Gentlemen" may be used in the plural. "Dear Sir," or "My Dear Sir," is the usual form of greeting when a business letter is addressed to an individual.