Guidelines for New Transcriptions (as of 11.08.2016)

• Concerning the new transcriptions
  The manuscripts are reproduced as diplomatic transcriptions, that is, the historical and individual orthographic spelling and punctuation are retained without rectification. Spelling errors are left uncorrected. Direction words (Kustoden), however, are not reproduced. In that the digital facsimile of each transcribed manuscript is viewable to the user, a topologically exact transcription is dispensed with (i.e. the reproduction of topographical alignment and of the positioning of date and signature lines).
  Gemination marks (Geminationsstriche) and macrons (Nasalstriche) are eliminated.
  The ÿ of the classic Kurrent cursive script appears as y.
  Double syllable break lines (Doppelte Trennstriche) and double hyphens (Doppelte Bindestriche) are reproduced as single. In like manner, a hyphen represented by a left quotation mark („) is replaced by a contemporary hyphen.
  Historical bracket shapes are instead presented in modern notation.
  The merchant’s ampersand (kaufmännische Et-Zeichen) of the time is reproduced as etc.
  Ligatures: loop-ligatures (Suspensionsschlingen) and end-hooks (Endhaken) are not eliminated but instead abbreviated with a period.
  Abbreviated currency signs are explained by mouseover.
  Abbreviations with periods and colons are retained.
  Cursive conjoining marks (Verschleifungen) are implicitly dropped.
  End-cursive marks (Endverschleifungen) and end-hooks (Endhaken) which do not represent an abbreviation are not reproduced. Periods are placed only where they are recognizable in the manuscript.
  The letters I and J in the classic Kurrent cursive script are often not noticeably distinguishable. In the transcriptions, J will, as a rule, be placed before a vowel and I before a consonant. In Latin script, however, the original spelling will be reproduced (ie. Ius, Ianuar, Iuny, ect.). Individual characters, words and word sequences in Latin script are typographically modified to the Kurrent cursive script. Also, entire letters in Latin script — all French and English language letters — are typographically modified.
  While the Kurrent cursive script is shown in Georgia Times New Roman font, the Latin script appears in Calibri.
  The separation and merger of words are not always clear to distinguish. Determinations in the case of uncertainty are made according to the known tendencies of the individual writer.
  Marginalia are reproduced within the running text and are made distinguishable by contrasting color (shaded).
  References to marginalia are highlighted by directing the mouse cursor („note concerning transcription: marginalia“); in the case of multiple writers, the names will be filled in within brackets.
  Insertion of the writer’s name which is denoted by insertion characters in the margin of the page or at the page end (as a footnote) is noted and will be indicated by an asterisk (*) and will likewise be reproduced in contrasting color (shaded). The type of insertion is indicated by directing the mouse cursor („note concerning transcription: insertion on left margin“, „insertion at end of the page“).
  Cross-out text is reproduced only as an exception and is shown as such (cross-out).
  Insertions by the writer in running text are reproduced as super-script: inserted text.
  Reproduced cross-outs with overwriting will be presented with the crossed out word or words followed by the overwritten word or words: cross-out overwriting.
  Underlining will be reproduced as such: underlining.
  Notes made by the recipient will be reproduced in shaded lettering. The mouse cursor highlights the shaded lettering („notes on the transcription: notes made by the recipient“).
  Not all archival traces left on the manuscripts are reproduced. Deduced place names which are noted by a third party are entered into the metadata, as are annotations made by the owner of the manuscript.
  In the case of the loss of text due to paper damage (water damage, mold, tear away from the sealing, etc.) or due to fading of the ink, the nearest unequivocal amendment will be made to the readable text within square brackets. The mouse cursor will prompt an explanation as to the loss of the text (notes on transcriptions: loss of text by torn out page, etc.).
  Not amendable text will be identified by […]. In such cases an explanation of the cause of the loss of the text is highlighted by mouseover.
  Debatable interpretations are reproduced in shaded lettering. The mouse cursor highlights the text whose interpretation is problematic: (notes on transcriptions: debatable interpretations).
  Unreadable passages are identifiable by a shaded x per unreadable character. In the case an entire word or several unreadable characters are not ascertained, the passage is identified by the presentation of a shaded xxx. Directed mouseover highlights “not deciphered”.
  The page numbers of manuscripts are consecutive and are reproduced in square brackets ([1] [2] [3], etc.); they are designated as paginations of the editor. The mouse cursor highlights the pagination: (notes on the transcriptions: pagination of the editor).
  Paginations of the writer are identifiable by shaded lettering as well as with the use of the mouse cursor (notes on the transcriptions: pagination of the writer).