facsimile

1 an exact copy or reproduction [syn: autotype]

2 duplicator that transmits the copy by wire or radio [syn: facsimile machine, fax] v : send something via a facsimile machine; "Can you fax me the report right away?" [syn: fax, telefax]

English

Etymology

From |fac simile, from fac, imperative of facere, + simile, neuter of similis.

Pronunciation

• fækˈsɪmɪli

Noun

1. A copy or reproduction.
2. A fax, a machine for making and sending copies of printed material and images via radio or telephone network.
3. The image sent with the machine itself.

Synonyms

• autotype
• fax, facsimile machine

rfc sort senses

Verb

1. To send via a facsimile machine; normally only spoken as “fax”.

Synonyms

• fax, telefax

A facsimile (From Latin fac simile, "make like") is a copy or reproduction of an old book, manuscript, map, art print or other item of historical value that is as true-to-the-original source as possible using, normally, some form of photographic technique. They differ from other forms of reproduction by attempting to replicate the source as accurately as possible in terms of scale, colour, condition, and other material qualities. For books and manuscripts, this also entails a complete copy of all pages; hence an incomplete copy is known as a "partial facsimile". Facsimiles are used, for example, by scholars to research a source that they do not have access to otherwise and by museums and archives for museum and media preservation. Many are sold commercially.

Facsimiles in the age of mechanical reproduction

Advances in the art of facsimile is closely related to advances in printmaking. Maps, for instance, were the focus of early explorations in making facsimiles, although these examples often lack the rigidity to the original source that is now expected. An early example being Abraham Ortelius's Peutinger map (1598).

Facsimiles and conservation

Important illuminated manuscripts like Les Très Riches Heures du duc de Berry are not only on display to the public as facsimiles, but now even scholars may only consult high-quality copies. However, unlike normal book reproduction processes, facsimiles remain truer to the original colours—which is especially important for illuminated manuscripts—as well as defects.

Facsimiles play an important role in the study of history, palaeography and other fields where ready-access to an otherwise unavailable original document is essential for close examination. The copy of Edgar Allan Poe's original manuscript for The Murders in the Rue Morgue allows a wider availability of such resources and for researchers to see corrections and changes in the writer's autograph hand in a quality that rivals the original.

Facsimiles are best suited to printed or hand-written documents, and not to items such as three dimensional objects or oil paintings with unique surface texture. Reproductions of those latter objects are often referred to as replicas.

Books of which facsimiles have been made

A very incomplete list includes:

• Gutenberg Bible
• Book of Kells
• Hours of Catherine of Cleves
• Les Très Riches Heures du duc de Berry
• Utrecht Psalter
• Voynich Manuscript

References

External links

• Specialist bookseller, with good information on editions

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