Handbook for translators of Spanish historical ... - University Library

TRANSCRIPTION
(12). Any additions to the text, abtreviations spelled
out, material supplied from other sources, or explanations
of the condition of the original, should be enclosed
in hrackets.
(13). Omissions should "be indicated whether they are
due to mutilation or illegihility. VThenever possible
the number of words or lines omitted should be stated.
Such indications may be made thus: [MS. torn] , [MS.
burned], [MS. blotted), [MS. illegible] , [MS. torn:
five lines,] , [MS. burned: two words j,, [Photostat dim] :
when the number of words missing cannot be determined,
this fact may be indicated merely by placing three
spaced dots at the point where the blank space occurs
if it is within the sentence; i'f it is at the end of
the sentence, four dots should be used: e.g.,
"We arrived late and ... until the next day."
"We arrived late and had to wait until ...."
(14). Any error noted in the document, such as the repetition
of a word, or a wrong date, may be followed by
the word sic within brackets.
(15). Deleted words or lines of documents should be
copied and a hyphen should then be struck over each letter.
(16). Superscript letters and lines written between the
lines in documents should be transcribed in the same
manner. Although the copying of superscript letters
makes the work of tremscription more costly and time
consuming, for the sake of accuracy, it is advisable not
to place superscript letters or interlined lines on the
line of writing.
(17). The presence of seals or stamps on a document
should be indicated thus; [Seal] , [Stamp] , [Wax Seal),
and when the inscription can be read, (Seal: State of
Texas ]
(18). Indent five spaces for paragraphs. All lines
of a single-spaced quotation should be started four
spaces from the left margin.
(19). Whenever it is possible, the copyist should add
any material deemed absolutely necessary to facilitate
reading a transcription. Any addition, of course, should
be placed within brackets.
(20). Initials of identification should be placed within
brackets near the right margin of the last page of
each document. These initials should identify the document
as an autograph signed, a draft, a fragment, or
-121-