The author concludes that presentation drawings from the late nineteenth century are diverse in their formats, materials and techniques employed. With the exception of the requirements for drawings done for Federal government projects (Lowry), there do not seem to have been specific parameters given, even for designs entered in competitions. The diversity reflects the lack of standardized training and practices which characterized the profession of architecture at that time. It is the purpose for which these drawings were created -- persuading the client of the beauty and/or appropriateness of the design and demonstrating the skill of the designer -- that unifies the objects. The author discusses directions for further investigation.