MS INTERPRETATIONS
A Monograph on how to date a MS
By Sherlock Holmes

The historical manuscript ("ms", pl, "mss") is a rich field for study
by anyone concerned with seeking out the truth through the subtle
interpretation of evidence. My first duty in this brief survey of certain
of the elements that constitute such evidence is to acknowledge my gratitude
to my colleague Robert Lemon, with whom I have corresponded at length on
the subject and with whom I have worked out many of my theories; and indeed,
it is my great hope that he will one day put pen to paper himself, and
provide a guide for the amateur collector of historical documents.
