Editing Guide to technical writing (section)

===First or firstly?===
Should we say first, second, third...etc. when enumerating points in a thesis or should we say firstly, secondly, thirdly...etc?  There is a very long history of arguments about this for at least two centuries! So best to avoid this word war and keep the peace. Technically, both are ok.  However, more people these days prefer: first, second, third...etc. The fact is no one complains if you leave out the "ly", but some people complain if you put it in. Therefore, to maximize the chance of not upsetting your thesis examiner leave the "ly" out!