Generalist

[stevenj]

SWMBO has a magazine called Prospect (interesting). This month there’s an unusual crossword and I want to try it. The down clues are crossword normal. But the across clues simply have a single letter instead of a clue and we are told that they are abbreviations. I assume the letter is the first letter of the answer? Is that correct? Some are upper case and some lower. What’s the significance of that? Finally, some of the down clues are a single letter ( always upper case. I think ( but would welcome advice that they’re gases or elements or whatever. Is that right.
steven

[Captain2]

If it helps anyone to help Steven, here is the crossword

https://www.prospectmagazine.co.uk/content/uploads/2019/11/Puzzles.jpg

[stevenj]

Thanks Captain2
steven

[tedsgran]

the first letter is not always the same ...eg the W clue has answer tungsten.
The X one doesn't start with X either.
Some are countries, some are elements. I think I found most of them in Chambers dictionary, Getting the normal clues first is a plan too...

[tedsgran]

the upper and lower cases become clear when you look in chambers.

[stevenj]

Thank you tedsgran. I’ve started with the down clues. Your advice will be very helpful. We don’t have a Chambers . I hope the OED is able to provide the answers
steven

[Mamyalynne]

A Chambers should be on your Christmas list.

[stevenj]

I’m sure you are right Mamyalynne but there are other things I need. And SWMBO, ever practical, will point to the OED!

[stevenj]

Just to see if I am on the right track, tedsgran, does the answer to X begin with M?
steven

[tedsgran]

yes!

[stevenj]

Sorry to mither. I’m making a bit of progress but it’s a tough one! I’d be really grateful for an answer to my question addressed to Tedsgran but a response from anyone would be welcome. If I am on the wrong track it might be better to stop and accept that I am not yet ready for such a toughie. But I’d like to keep going
s

[stevenj]

Sorry tedsgran. Your response came through while I was typing my last message
Thanks

[roslyn251254]

I did this puzzle yesterday... so ask again if you're stuck...!

[stevenj]

What a generous offer Roslyn. I may well take you up on it but I should try a bit longer now that I’ve been guided. I think I am working out that “abbreviation “ can be interpreted in different ways. So, I’ll take up your offer. IsThat right that I need to think of different ways of interpreting abbreviation?
s

[roslyn251254]

yes ...different elements countries other abbreviations...

[1581960]

Thanks for the link Captain2, Enigmas & puzzles section was brilliant.

[Captain2]

Indeed 158, I visit rather regularly.

[scorpiojo]

Steven, why not try your local charity shops? I recently bought a brand new 10th edition Chambers for a whole £2.00 :-)

[stevenj]

That sounds a good idea,scorpiojo. Thanks
s
And thanks to Roslyn.

[Persever0]

This one has been a real beast. I'm stuck on one last clue - 22 across 'S'. Any help would be most gratefully received!

[Mamyalynne]

any crossers?