Descriptive Definitions

Manuscripts:

• Autograph letter signed –  entire letter and signature is in the hand of the author.
• Letter signed –  only the signature is in the hand of the author. The body of the text is in the hand of a secretary.
• Typed letter signed – only the signature is in the hand of the author. The body of the letter is typewritten.
• Document signed – only the signature is in the hand of the author. The body of the Document is in the hand of a secretary or scribe.
• Autograph note signed – entire note and signature in the hand of the author.
• Autograph musical quotation signed – entire musical quotation, text and signature is in the hand of the composer.
• Autograph manuscript signed – entire manuscript and signature is in the hand of the author.

 

Books:

In bibliographical contexts, format is used to indicate the size of a volume in terms of the number of times the original printed sheet has been folded to form its constituent leaves. The most common forms are:

• Folio – each sheet is folded once-approximately 11 x 14 inches or larger.
• Quarto –  each sheet is folded twice-approximately 8 x 10 inches.
• Octavo –  each sheet is folded three times-approximately 5 x 7 inches.

 

Condition Definitions

Manuscripts and Books:

• Foxed/foxing –  spotted or discolored patches on manuscript pages of book leaves.
• Washed –  cleaning of manuscript pages or book leaves with a chemical rinse to remove spots, stains or blemishes.
• Silked – when manuscript pages or book leaves are very fragile or in need of repair, they can be faced on both sides with a thin, virtually transparent textile like fine silk or cotton gauze for reinforcement.