Home / Brinton, Willard C. Graphic Methods for Presenting Facts. New York: The Engineering Magazine Company, 1914. Internet Archive identifier: cu31924032626792 (Cornell University Library copy). The first American textbook on what we now call data visualization. / Passage

Graphic Methods for Presenting Facts

Brinton, Willard C. Graphic Methods for Presenting Facts. New York: The Engineering Magazine Company, 1914. Internet Archive identifier: cu31924032626792 (Cornell University Library copy). The first American textbook on what we now call data visualization. 289 words

under the same conditions that would be found in the preparation of material for magazine articles, printed reports, and ordinary prospectus or other advertising matter.

Fig. 2 is a form of chart used probably more widely than any other form to show component parts. The circle with sectors is not a desirable form of presentation, however, because it does not have nearly such flexibility as the method shown in Fig. 1. The sector method does not permit of convenient arrangement of names for the different

Fig. 3-

The Survey

Disposition of a Family Income of from $900 to $1000

This cut shows an attempt to put figures in popular form. The eye is likely to judge by the size of the pictures rathei' than by the angles of the sectors

components. Note that the direction of the lettering must be reversed as the eye proceeds around the circle. In this case, "Interest and Dividends" reads upward while "Materials, Rents, Traveling Expenses, etc." reads downward. Another disadvantage of the sector method is the impossibility of placing figures in such manner that they can be easily compared or added. The horizontal-bar method permits of placing figures so as to keep the decimal points in line, thus making it possible to add the whole column of figures relating to the various components.

The sector method is probably so widely known through presentation in exhibits, illustrations for popular magazines, etc., that it is more generally understood than any other niethod now in use. The more easy reading of the wedge or sector chart is, however, largely due to habit. If the horizontal-bar method of Fig. 1 were used as frequently as the sector method, it would be found in every way more desirable