Obviously the copper plate in hand, is in it's latest state. However, in
cataloguing, would we not want to say, for example, "6th state"? In order
to make such a statement, one would require copies of all the states of that
particular map. We've all seen maps printed from copper plates which were
in a state which we knew did not agree with the date given in the printed
version. Still, we would record the engraved date and edition as given on
the map, or, in this case, on the plate. Isn't that one of the nightmares
of the cartobibliographer? Early O.S. maps are the most frequently
encountered examples. Other examples however, are less likely to produce a
definitive statement regarding state as the cataloguer is even less likely
to be sure of having consulted all states printed from a given plate. Thus
we frequently encounter "7th state?"
I think Andrew has asked a question not raised by Velma's statement
regarding cataloguing of copper plates.
Ron Whistance-Smith
Not a cataloguer, but interested.
----- Original Message -----
From: "Bennett Alan" <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Monday, September 18, 2000 3:17 AM
Subject: Re: Copper plates: latest states
> On 15 Sep 00, at 19:58, Andrew Cook wrote:
>
> >
> > I am sufficiently intrigued by one point in Velma Parker's
> > thorough response on cataloguing copper printing plates to ask a
> > question.
> >
> > -----------------------------------------------------------------
> > ----- > -----Original Message----- > From: [log in to unmask]
> > [SMTP:[log in to unmask]] > Sent: 24 August 2000 17:57
> >
> > Edition: If there is an edition statement we would record it.
> > If we know that the plate had been amended as evidenced by its
> > condition, we might try to establish which state it was if we had
> > enough information. But this would require an examination of the
> > maps printed from that plate and may not be possible. In the
> > latter case, a note could be made that the plate had been amended
> > with perhaps an indication of which areas are affected.
> > -----------------------------------------------------------------
> > -----
> >
> > My question is this. If successive states of a copper plate are
> > formed by a sequence of alterations to the engraved information,
> > in what circumstances could a copper plate be found in any state
> > other than the latest state?
> >
> > Andrew Cook
> >
> > Dr Andrew S Cook
> > Map Archivist, India Office Records
> > The British Library
> > 96 Euston Road
> > London NW1 2DB
> > United Kingdom
> > Telephone +44 20 7412 7828
> > Fax +44 20 7412 7641
> > E-mail [log in to unmask]
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------
>
> With all due respect to the learned gentleman but I do feel that this
> is just a viewpoint concerning semantics. The state of any object
> for recorded preservation will always be, in its 'latest' state. How
> and ever, if that object has noticeably been altered at some point
> previous to its 'latest 'state, as stated my V.Parker, then it is useful
> information to have that knowledge recorded as additional
> information.
>
> Let's have a sensible discussion here about map archiving and how
> we go about it rather than one about the semantics of how we
> present our comments and unnecessary verbage used. At least I,
> as a lay person, understood the response from V.Parker
>
> Alan Magnus-Bennett
> Alan Magnus-Bennett
> Cartographer and Map Curator
> Geography Department
> School of Environmental Sciences and Land Management
> University College Worcester
> Worcestershire
> WR2 6AJ
> phone: 01905 855183
> email: [log in to unmask]
>
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