A & S standards

[I. Marc Carlson]

<Jovian Skleros<Scot Eddy <seddy at vvm.com>>>
>As I understand it a primary source (excellent for research) is an 
>extant object. For instance, using a real 14th century crossbow as a 
>model for yours.

Using one that you have *in your hand* as a model for yours 

>Secondary sources are period pictures, paintings, drawings, statues or 
>sketches on which you base you project. For example, using a statue to 
>base your 'Norman Kite' shield.

As are modern photographs of the same item.

>Tertiary sources - very poor choices for research - would be paintings 
>of paintings. Much of the Victorian era "research" used paintings of 
>paintings...

Photographs of photographs have the same problem, as can photocopies of
photocopies.

Every step you place between you and the original material, is a place where
information can be lost.

Diarmuit