1.4 These abbreviated terms are by no means all-inclusive of plastics terminology. They represent, in general, those terms that have come into established use. Since it is recognized that abbreviated terms serve no useful purpose unless they are generally accepted and used, no attempt has been made to establish a rigorous code for devising standard abbreviated terms. This would result in awkward departures from established usage of existing and accepted abbreviated terms and lead to cumbersome combinations in the future, which would not be likely to receive widespread acceptance. The abbreviated terms now in use have grown naturally out of the need for convenient, readily comprehended shorthand for long chemical names. This process can be expected to continue along the natural lines of least resistance and will serve as a basis for further standardization as the need arises. A general guide for the preparation of abbreviated terms appears desirable, however, to facilitate more organized and uniform standardization in the future. An appendix is attached, which suggests a uniform way to prepare abbreviated terms.