In:
Journal of Roman Studies, Cambridge University Press (CUP), Vol. 46, No. 1-2 ( 1956-11), p. 115-118
Abstract:
The find in Roman Britain of a Latin writing tablet bearing a still legible ink inscription is of so unusual a nature that it has seemed worthwhile to offer a provisional account of it to readers of the Journal . It is probable that more of the text will eventually prove readable than I have managed to decipher; for I have failed to obtain a continuous text. Apart from the difficulties inherent in reading Latin cursive writing, the faintness at many places of the ink, discoloration of the surface, and above all, the frequently misleading horizontal grain of the wood offer obstacles that I have failed to surmount. It is also possible that laboratory treatment will succeed at some future date in separating the ink more clearly from its background, at least for photographic purposes. Experiments to achieve this are in progress, but they must inevitably proceed cautiously and therefore slowly. I believe, however, that enough of the writing has been made out to establish with reasonable certainty the type of text concerned, and that further success in decipherment, while it will fill in details, will not change the essential framework into which those details are to be fitted. It has seemed right, in consequence, not to delay longer but to submit the results achieved so far to the judgment of colleagues and hope that their criticisms and suggestions will make good the writer's failings. The accompanying plate (XII) will supply a means of check and supplement.
Type of Medium:
Online Resource
ISSN:
0075-4358
,
1753-528X
Language:
English
Publisher:
Cambridge University Press (CUP)
Publication Date:
1956
detail.hit.zdb_id:
2067300-0
detail.hit.zdb_id:
3172-0
SSG:
6,12
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