General Guidelines

  • Accuracy is paramount. Transcribe the text exactly as it appears, including spelling, punctuation, and line breaks. Do not correct the text or modernize spelling.
  • Indicate illegible text by using [illegible] or a guess within square brackets, e.g., [?word].
  • Preserve original language and terminology. Do not translate or interpret scientific names or historical terms.
  • Maintain original formatting as much as possible. This includes indents, bullet points, and other layout features.
  • Transcribe all marginalia and annotations. These are often found in the margins or between lines and can be significant for research. Indicate their position in the text, e.g., [margin note: text].

Specific Guidelines for Botanical Documents

  • Scientific Names: Always use the exact spelling for genus, species, and other taxonomic ranks as they appear in the manuscript. If a name has since changed, note the current accepted name in a comment, not in the transcription.
  • Measurements and Units: Transcribe measurements, units, and numbers exactly. Include any notes on measurement systems or conversions used by the author in a comment.
  • Collection Locations: When locations are mentioned, transcribe them accurately. Include any additional information in a comment, such as modern names of locations if they have changed.
  • Dates and Times: Use the exact format for dates and times as found in the manuscript. If the date format is unusual, explain it in a comment.
  • Annotations and Corrections: If the manuscript contains annotations or corrections, include these in the transcription. Indicate if they are in a different hand or if you suspect them to be added later.

Formatting Transcriptions

  • Use a consistent format for your transcriptions. Start with the title or heading of the document, followed by the body text.
  • If the manuscript includes images, diagrams, or sketches, describe these in square brackets, e.g., [sketch of a leaf].
  • For complex documents with multiple sections or types of content (e.g., letters, field notes, lists), separate these sections clearly in your transcription.

Commenting and Notes

  • Notes are a workspace where project participants can keep and share ideas and observations regarding the transcription of the page. When contributing to the notes, it is encouraged to include a Signature in the Notes free text field: this facility gives a timestamp and a user number.
  • Use comments to provide additional context, clarifications, or relevant research notes. This could include:
    • Modern scientific names for species.
    • Historical context for locations, individuals, or events mentioned.
    • References to related documents or literature.
  • Ensure comments are concise and clearly related to the adjacent text.

Conclusion

Your contributions are vital to preserving and making accessible the rich botanical heritage contained within the NMHD's manuscripts. By adhering to these guidelines, you ensure that the transcriptions will be valuable resources for researchers, historians, and enthusiasts for years to come.

Remember, the goal of this project is not only to transcribe but to unlock the intercultural and polyvocal value of these documents, facilitating research and education. Thank you for your dedication and meticulous work.