A Standard for Graphics

It was 1915 and when it came to graphics, the American Statistical Association wanted some STANDARDS. So they put out a paper about it. Funny to think that notions like charts going from left to right and including a zero-based vertical scale were novel ideas that needed articulating. But when the stakes are a potential "gain to mankind," then I suppose it's worth getting serious about. Also, nice use of adorable little arrows.

If simple and convenient standards can be found and made generally known, there will be possible a more universal use of graphic methods with a consequent gain to mankind because of the greater speed and accuracy with which complex information may be imparted and interpreted.

— Joint Committee on Standards for Graphic Presentation

Via @eagereyes