palaeography

/ ˌpælɪˈɒɡrəfɪ; ˌpælɪəʊˈɡræfɪk /

noun

the study of the handwritings of the past, and often the manuscripts as well, so that they may be dated, read, etc, and may serve as historical and literary sources
a handwriting of the past

It practically created the science of Latin palaeography, and is still the standard work on the subject.

Palaeography, history and Romance languages are among the other subjects to which especial importance is given.

The character of the handwriting employed by the papal chancery is discussed in the article Palaeography.

The science of palaeography deals with the former, while epigraphy is concerned with the latter.

In 1871 he became professor of palaeography at the cole des Chartes.

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