It's electronics, but not as we know it Jim.

[BusyBee]

My take on some of these foreign (US or European) circuits has often been the symbols used for the valves and their layout rather than any position of particular power lines. I do notice a hint of this in the op diagrams with the symbols and particularly labelling of the resistors which would confuse a beginner. As I often use multiple supplies (perhaps the easiest to understand being plus / gnd / neg three rail), I do think a bit. Admittidly it is easier using the common 'standard' with plus at the top, which I normally do.

Tracy