Why Aren't the Names of Spells Capitalized?

[DungeonmasterCal]

This has bugged me for nearly 30 years. It goes against everything I was taught about writing a proper name for something.

[Hama]

It's not a personal name. They are not capitalized just as elf and dwarf aren't capitalized.

[DungeonmasterCal]

But the title of a book or movie isn't a personal name, yet it's capitalized. Perhaps it's personal bias, but it bugs the snot out of me. Hence, I capitalize.. lol

[Snorb]

Short Cynical Answer: Because (sigh) *~_TRADITION_~*

Longer Less Helpful Answer: Spell names like magic missile (or if you prefer, Magic Missile) are written in italic lowercase in Pathfinder because they're written in italic lowercase in both Fourth Edition and 3.5e.

They were written in italic lowercase in 3.5e because they were written that way in Third Edition.

They were written in italic lowercase in Third Edition because they were written that way in AD&D 2nd Edition.

They were written in italic lowercase in AD&D 2nd Edition because they were written that way in Advanced Dungeons & Dragons.

They were written in italic lowercase in Advanced Dungeons & Dragons because they were written that way in Dungeons & Dragons.

They were written in italic lowercase in Dungeons & Dragons because... well, I'm guessing because Messrs. Gygax & Arneson felt like it.

Companies may change, creators may pass, but standards never die.