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HOW TO DECIPHER AND STUDY OLD DOCUMENTS - A GUIDE TO THE READINGS OF ANCIENT MANUSCRIPTS
HOW TO DECIPHER AND STUDY OLD DOCUMENTS A GUIDE TO THE READINGS OF ANCIENT MANUSCRIPTS Author:E. E. THOYTS 1908-9 - HOW TO DECIPHER , AND STUDY OLD DOCUMENTS A GUIDE TO THE READING OF ANCIENT MANUSCRIPTS E. E. THOYTS MRS. -- PREFACE TO THE THIRD EDITION - THE preface to a book is a necessary evil. T It is the authors explanation of the causes which prompted its production. Of this little book two editions are already exhausted and a third becomes ne... more »cessary, for still it is the only simple and inexpensive guide to the subject, and is to be found among the Standard works in the British Museum. It is a very large and difficult subject whereon to write a small book, the chief difficulty being to know what to omit, so as not to confuse the beginner by too much information at first start but it is a fascinating subject, and once started upon the student will try all sources to gain more information, and for this a list of books on kindred subjects is given. Only a beginner can realise how difficult at first the simplest works look till the eye grows accustomed to the old form of lettering. It is V disheartening work at first trying to recognise a word or even a letter of some old deed, and very little progress can be attained under three or even six months. Gradually and steadily the knowledge comes with experience, but often some curiously formed capital letter may occur to puzzle one. No one can aspire to be an antiquary who is unable to read old deeds. Antiquarian knowledge is learnt it does not come by nature, though to some extent, doubtless, it is inherited the man who employs a professional to do the technical part, such as reading a deed or blazoning a shield, is not a real antiquary for he is unable to question the accuracy of the information. From my wifes book I have myself found so much interest and help that I know others must and will find it equally useful as a beginners guide. JOHN HAUTENVILL C E O PE. November, 1909. AUTHORS PREFACE TO THE FIRST EDITION 0 describe the things which puzzled me T when, as a beginner, I first essayed to read and understand the old records of bygone times. Written in a language I knew not, relating to customs no longer existing, all was strange and unfamiliar. I toiled on by degrees light dawned and the difficulties melted away...« less