PRESSURE: THE D P H DIMENSION OF MOVEMENT ET

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This example is also shaded. In this case, the fine-line felt tip makes it more difficult to spot.

This sample was penned with a fountain pen. It is easy to see the shading of the stroke.

PASTIOSITY
The word pastiose describes a stroke that is thick and doughy looking. It results from the relaxed manipulation of the pen, which allows for more ink flow. The manner in which the arm rests on the writing surface helps determine this, as does the pause before the change in direction of the stroke. Writing records these nearly imperceptible changes in the flow of the ink, as even a slight pause allows more ink to spill from the pen to produce an extra dark spot. Generally, sharper strokes are faster ones, while the blur of pastiosity indicates a slowing down. To understand this better, think of the writing as a roadway mapped out by the path of an automobile. As the car approaches the turn, it slows to a degree dependent on the abruptness of the turn and then accelerates as it makes the turn. This slowing and speeding up helps the car (and the writing stroke) maintain a smooth traction on the roadway (the paper). To detect pastiosity, look for a blob of ink or a slight widening of the strokes near the tops of upper zone and the bottoms of lower zone loops at the completion of curves. Often the blob will be followed by a slight lightening of the stroke. Do not confuse these blobs of pastiosity with dotting. Pastiosity occurs on the stroke and is part of it. For dotting to occur, the pen must actually lift from the paper and set down again. Thus it may be seen anywhere in the writing-either alongside or on top of the stroke. Much apparent pastiosity is the result of a broken-down pen. Some ballpoints spill indiscriminantly, and some fountain pens or felt-tip pens have damaged points. Carehl consideration of the sample should enable you to distinguish pen failure from extreme pastiosity. The relative pastiosity or sharpness of the inking pattern will tell you how sensual or spiritual the writer is.
Normal Pastiosity. These writers have normal sensual and emotional responses; there is a desire for tactile stimulation and the need for physical contact with others. Another interpretation of pastiosity is genuine warmth and humor as well as a deep capacity for the enjoyment and appreciation of new situations.