Käsikirjadena

Käsikirjadena refers to the Finnish word for "as manuscripts." This term is primarily used in academic and archival contexts to describe documents or texts that exist in their original, handwritten, or typewritten form, rather than as published printed editions. It signifies a stage in the creation and dissemination of a work, often preceding or existing alongside a printed version.

When a work is referred to as "käsikirjadena," it implies that the original document is the subject of study or preservation. This could include literary works, historical documents, scientific papers, or personal correspondence. Researchers and historians might consult manuscripts to gain insights into the author's thought process, original intentions, or to study variations and corrections that may have been altered in later printed versions.

Archivists play a crucial role in preserving and making accessible these "käsikirjadena." They catalog, conserve, and often digitize these valuable primary sources. The study of manuscripts, known as paleography and codicology in broader terms, is a specialized field focused on deciphering historical handwriting and understanding the physical characteristics of manuscripts. Therefore, "käsikirjadena" highlights the importance of the original artifact in historical and literary research, emphasizing its authenticity and direct connection to the past.