Delwedd:Edward Clarence Mills penman c 1904.png

English: Edward Clarence Mills, American penman, showing body position and pen holding as part of his course of business writing style lessons.
Observe:

• forearms resting on desk and writing hand wrist elevated as part of the muscular arm movement style
• tip of forefinger is centred over pen
• supporting rest of third and fourth fingers folded under the hand, and in contact with middle finger

As with most instructors of the day, Mills acknowledged that variation from his suggested position and pen hold could be required depending on the individual's hand.

Also in common with other muscular arm movement proponents, Mills taught that down strokes are made towards the middle of the body, using this natural reference to keep uniform letter slant.