MICKEY MOUSE MICROS : PRECIS

' NO Mickey Mouse operation ' : Mickey Mouse's hand always has only three fingers, as depicted in the illustration for your briefing. [ '' Thrills and spills'', January 21st].

Soon after creating Mickey in the late 1920s Walt Disney realised that if his mouse became popular it would be drawn millions of times.

Thousands of illustrations are needed for a cartoon lasting a few minutes.

By omitting one finger Disney produced significant savings in ink and labour. And because it enabled easier and more flowing movements it has been copied by all cartoons since.

The World Students Society thanks author  Keith Carlson, Belmont. Massachusetts.