Greek Letters Different from Textbook: Exploring the Discrepancy

[glassslippers]

Hi,
So my PChem professor writes lowercase sigma similar to a number 6 with a curl on the top...(picture attached) To me this looks nothing like the sigma used in my textbook, computer or anywhere online I can find (similar to an o with a horizontal line on top). He insists we use his version of the figure because when we go to grad school we will be "looked down on" if we don't use proper Greek figures. I have no problem with his figure, if it is the correct one. Can anyone explain the discrepancy?

 

[Char. Limit]

That's no sigma.

 

[SteamKing]

Maybe your professor has the palsy in his hand.

 

[collinsmark]

Oh, my. That looks like some sort of cross between sigma, $\sigma$ and zeta, $\zeta$.

There is an alternate way to write sigma when it is used in the word-final position, $\varsigma$. But that's still different than the thing on the OP.

[Edit: almost looks like a treble clef symbol used in music.]

[Image from http://www.epianostudio.com/2008/10/23/lesson-staff-treble-clef-bass-clef-grand-staff-and-middle-c/]

 

[Medicol]

Yes, I think that 's right (sigma σ), his tip was just upped and curved too much.

 

[wukunlin]

I can see how a sigma ended up like that but I would never guessed it to be a sigma had I not read your post.

 

[DrDu]

Have a look at this article:
http://www.johnkerl.org/doc/ortho/ortho.html

 

[Nikitin]

Unfortunately, bullying and social exclusion due to imperfectly written greek letters is a common problem in grad school. So, while it shouldn't be necessary, I recommend you do as your professor tells you and write the sigmas properly so you won't be singled out.

 

[Dembadon]

Looks like a (funky) delta to me.

He insists we use his version of the figure because when we go to grad school we will be "looked down on" if we don't use proper Greek figures.

Okay, I can understand catching some flak for using unconventional notations/symbols. But if he is earnestly suggesting that his specific style is what you should use, I'm honestly quite skeptical.