What is an original? The interests of the historian working with manuscripts, for example those of Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm
-
Ulrich Hussong
Abstract
The historian is primarily interested in the content of texts. He or she wants to read and understand them. But intrinsic parts of manuscripts are all the features of, and the traces on the paper, as well as the phases of its development, annotations of the agency or notes in private bequests. And, ultimately, a fake can only be made out with the original in hand, and only the original has the aura of authenticity. Editions and digital copies will often make a viewing of the original redundant, but they cannot replace it in all its functions.
Zusammenfassung
Der Historiker ist zunächst einmal an dem Inhalt der Texte interessiert. Er will sie lesen und verstehen. Zum Schriftstück gehören aber auch alle Bearbeitungsspuren auf dem Papier, wie Entstehungsstufen des Textes, Geschäftsvermerke der Behörde oder Notizen in privaten Nachlässen. Letztlich läßt sich nur am Original beurteilen, ob eine Fälschung vorliegt, und nur das Original vermittelt die Aura des Authentischen. Editionen oder Digitalisierungen machen den Rückgriff auf das Original in vielen Fällen entbehrlich, können es aber nie in allen Funktionen ersetzen.einmal an dem Inhalt
Résumé
L'historien est tout d'abord intéressé par le contenu des textes. Il ou elle veut les lire et les comprendre. Mais font également partie intrinsèque du manuscrit toutes les traces laissées sur le papier au cours de l'élaboration du document, comme les différentes phases de formation du texte, les références administratives ou les annotations dans les successions de patrimoines privés. Et au bout du compte il n'est possible de juger qu'il s'agit d'un faux que lorsqu'on peut le comparer à l'original. Seul l'original dégage l'aura de l'authenticité. Certaines éditions ou copies numériques dispensent dans un grand nombre de cas de recourir à l'original mais elles ne peuvent jamais le remplacer dans toutes ses fonctions.
© 2008 K. G. Saur Verlag
Articles in the same Issue
- Editorial
- Treatment of damaged 18th- and 19th-century manuscripts: introduction to an interdisciplinary research project funded by the DFG
- Phytate treatment of metallo-gallate inks: Investigation of its effectiveness on model and historic paper samples
- Influence of aqueous calcium phytate/calcium hydrogen carbonate treatment on the chemical composition of iron gall inks
- Authentic characteristics in manuscripts: An analysis of relevant characteristics before and after aqueous treatment
- What is an original? The interests of the historian working with manuscripts, for example those of Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm
- Work standard for the treatment of 18th- and 19th-century iron gall ink documents with calcium phytate and calcium hydrogen carbonate
Articles in the same Issue
- Editorial
- Treatment of damaged 18th- and 19th-century manuscripts: introduction to an interdisciplinary research project funded by the DFG
- Phytate treatment of metallo-gallate inks: Investigation of its effectiveness on model and historic paper samples
- Influence of aqueous calcium phytate/calcium hydrogen carbonate treatment on the chemical composition of iron gall inks
- Authentic characteristics in manuscripts: An analysis of relevant characteristics before and after aqueous treatment
- What is an original? The interests of the historian working with manuscripts, for example those of Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm
- Work standard for the treatment of 18th- and 19th-century iron gall ink documents with calcium phytate and calcium hydrogen carbonate
