Manuscripts
In general, handwritten ancient documents are referred to as manuscripts. Before the invention of the printing press, everything was written by hand.Following publication, a book was printed in several copies based on demand and importance. Those handwritten documents are now called manuscripts. The material on which the manuscripts were written was usually brown or grey. Basically, any draft of a work before printing is called a manuscript.
Before the invention of paper, natural materials such as leather, palm leaves, banana leaves, tree bark, etc. were used as writing materials. They were made suitable for writing by soaking them in water, boiling them and drying them in the sun. As a result, its color is brownish or gray and it does not attract insects easily. In those days, manuscripts were transcribed by scribes and reached the hands of students and common readers. After the introduction of the printing press in the 18th century, the profession gradually disappeared. Those ancient handwritten manuscripts were edited and published in book form. Those that have not yet been published in books are microfilmed or stored in an air-conditioned room with an abbreviated title. Researchers study these manuscripts for their analysis.
Printed Books:
Manuscripts are called printed books when they are typewritten and bound in printed form to form a book. It can also be said that the book is the name of the book that records and organizes the thoughts of the scholar. Books are memorable creations of human beings. A good book is a collection of the thoughts of an intellectual.
Differences between Manuscript and Printed Books:
From the above discussion in the work, it can be easily said that a book written by hand before printing is called a manuscript and when it is presented in binding form by a typewriter, it is called a printed book.
- Manuscripts may not be used or presented in any form. However, it remains in its fixed form, it is usually not used for anything other than research.
- On the other hand, the book can be presented in various forms and postures according to one’s will. This has no restrictions. Can be used or presented as you wish.
Manuscripts and printed materials differ in several significant ways:
Creation Process:
– Manuscripts: These are documents written by hand. Before the invention of the printing press, all books, letters, and other documents were created this way. Manuscripts often include unique handwriting, illustrations, and sometimes annotations or corrections.
– Printed Materials: These are produced using a printing press or other automated means. The printing process allows for the mass production of text and images, resulting in uniform copies.
Historical Context:
– Manuscripts: Historically, manuscripts were created by scribes, monks, and scholars. They are often associated with historical or religious texts and can be considered unique artifacts with significant historical value.
– Printed Materials: The invention of the printing press by Johannes Gutenberg in the mid-15th century revolutionized the production of books and other written material, making them more accessible and affordable.
Appearance:
– Manuscripts: Each manuscript is unique, with variations in handwriting, ink, and sometimes even the type of parchment or paper used. They often feature ornate illustrations and decorations.
– Printed Materials: Printed materials are uniform, with consistent typography, layout, and formatting across multiple copies. They may also include illustrations and decorations, but these are reproduced consistently in each copy.
Reproduction and Distribution:
– Manuscripts: Reproducing manuscripts was a labor-intensive process, as each copy had to be written by hand. This limited the number of copies that could be made, making manuscripts rare and valuable.
– Printed Materials: The printing press allows for the rapid and efficient production of multiple copies, making books and other printed materials widely available and less costly.
Preservation and Durability:
– Manuscripts: Manuscripts can be fragile and susceptible to damage from handling, light, humidity, and pests. Preservation often requires careful handling and controlled environments.
– Printed Materials: Printed materials, especially those produced on modern, acid-free paper, can be more durable. However, older printed materials can still suffer from similar preservation issues as manuscripts.
Cultural and Scholarly Value:
– Manuscripts: They are often seen as unique cultural artifacts with significant historical and scholarly value. They can provide insights into the time period in which they were created, including the social, cultural, and technological context.
– Printed Materials: While printed materials can also have cultural and scholarly value, especially rare first editions or historically significant prints, they are generally less unique compared to manuscripts.
Which one is the correct one?
Both manuscripts and printed books have their merits and historical significance. Manuscripts offer a glimpse into the past, showcasing the craftsmanship and dedication of scribes, while printed books represent a milestone in the democratization of knowledge. Ultimately, the “correct” choice between the two depends on factors such as personal preference, historical context, and scholarly interest.
