Indices : Terminology : Ampersand

The ampersand is a punctuation character evolved from the Latin word et, meaning and. The visual evolution of the word et into a ligature and then into the common form we use today. Many contemporary typefaces offer alternate ampersands with the old form. See an article by Max Caflisch which offers some historical background and several typographic examples showing the progression of the ampersand.

Discussion:
Appropriate use of the Ampersand.
What is the Difference between “&” and “and”?

Additional Articles:
The Ampersand from Adobe.com