Writing numbers for "technical stuff"

Someone will come along and tell you what it should be - not me. I say, don't sweat the small stuff too much. Keep powering forward and let your future editor worry about your above example.

JJ

I can't say I've ever run across that issue. However, I think I would probably spell it out in dialogue. Then, I could be, ya know... wrong.

I'm sure you'll get a comment from someone who actually knows the rule.

ETA: There's always the chance that this is simply one of those consistency issues as well.

The Chicago Manual of Style's general rule is expressed in section 9.3: “In nontechnical contexts, the following are spelled out: whole numbers from one through one hundred, round numbers, and any number beginning a sentence. For other numbers, numerals are used.”

They also say use numbers when refering to dollar amounts: $34.56

And spell out numbers in dialog as they would sound if spoken: Sixty-three, one-twenty-nine.

Bottom line, as long as you're consistent ands it doesn't look funny, it's fine. Your editor will adjust to whatever house style they use if she feels it's required.

Use anything you please. The copyeditor will change it to house style regardless of what you use.

Just be consistent, and don't confuse the reader.

James D. Macdonald said:

Use anything you please. The copyeditor will change it to house style regardless of what you use.

Just be consistent, and don't confuse the reader.

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There's your expert opinion. It's so nice to have these helpful sages around.

Danthia said:

And spell out numbers in dialog as they would sound if spoken: Sixty-three, one-twenty-nine.

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Remember to take voice into consideration. "One hundred twenty-nine," "one twenty-nine," or "hundred twenty-something." Those are three different characters, with three different voices. That's an advantage of spelling numbers out in dialog. Writing "129" doesn't show how the character says it.

FennelGiraffe said:

Remember to take voice into consideration. "One hundred twenty-nine," "one twenty-nine," or "hundred twenty-something." Those are three different characters, with three different voices. That's an advantage of spelling numbers out in dialog. Writing "129" doesn't show how the character says it.

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Ooooh. That's a really good point. Absolutely worth remembering.

I'd say pass a number seventeen blade, please'.

Does the Original Poster mean a surgeon as opposed to a doctor?

In a surgical situation I would think it's more like the surgeon simply extends a hand. "Seventeen!"

How he gets rid of the presently held instrument, I'm not sure. Maybe he drops it in a tray or has it removed from his extended hand.

Worth researching how it's done in an operating environment.

Mumut said:

I'd say pass a number seventeen blade, please'.

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It reminds me when I was first on a cattle station north of the Simpson desert. I was new out from England and hadn't even changed the oil in a car. I was sent up with the tool kit to put the brake on the windmill and the mechanic perched mid-way up with the clamp ready to pull the value up from the depths of the bore. He looked up at me and shouted to throw down a whitworth 18. I had no idea what he was talking about. I looked at hacksaws, hammers, screwdriver then I eventually saw the numbers. I hadn't known there were two systems to measure the size of a spanner.

By now Fred was bellowing for the tool (he wasn't a placid man at the best of times). In frustration he turned to lock the clamp in place when my poor pass sent the spanner whistling past his ear. I didn't know anyone could climb up a windmill so fast and I hadn't realise I could get down even faster. I spent an hour treading water in the turkey's nest dam because he couldn't swim. He eventually calmed down because I had to drive the Blitz truck back to the station.

Long story but yes, best ask someone in the profession to explain the way the word is used.

The surgeons don't really ask for a scalpel. they usually say something like "Gimme a 10-blade." or "I need a 12-blade."

It is the job of the scrub nurse, who does this all the time, to know what size scalpel blades a specific surgeon usually uses for the different stages of a specific surgical procedure. And she should have scalpel handles already loaded with the appropriate blades.

If this is in an emergency room, or outpatient clinic or doctors office, then the technician there will most likely have a stock of disposable scalpels with blades attached.