All the wonders of online databases cannot eliminate pitfalls. That is understandable when you consider that the root of any pitfall is human error. Sloppiness, inattention and inaccuracy are problems that never go away.
I have made a list of nine or ten traps for the unwary. In this article I discuss two of them, spelling and handwriting.
Spelling
Surnames, given names, and place names present the greatest challenges and are the most important. Variant spellings and mistakes occurred because our ancestors spelled their names in different ways, officials wrote what they heard and, later, transcribers copied what they saw.
Most of us know it is important to be aware of name variants and that there are tools to help us search across the possibilities. For place names such help is somewhat harder to find; for example, wild cards may not work in a
place name or keyword search. Lists of all parishes in a county, or all places, streets, etc., containing a particular name element, may have to be read. Try the free place search in Scots Origins and the gazetteer search in
British origins for two examples.
For surnames, I can think of three tools immediately: NameX here at The Origins Network, the system within the International Genealogical Index and other Mormon finding aids, and Soundex, which appears in many places.
Unfortunately not all versions of a surname fall within the lists generated by these systems. It is important to read about the use of nicknames, aliases, to-names (in Scotland), translations, prefixes and suffixes.
Awareness is the key because it keeps us alert to the problems and encourages imagination in looking for variants.
Modern technology adds two wrinkles, the additional opportunity for human error in creating a computer index and the limitations of the search engine. Some combinations may not be permitted, the variant name system may not be
"tuned" to suit and the use of wild cards can be limited. Here at The Origins Network wildcard options are available (their use cancels the functioning of NameX). Experiments with P?ne and Fl?nn worked. This is quite good; some
databases do not permit wildcards to be used within the first three letters.
Handwriting
Document text comes to us in 6 or 7 ways: the original document, microfilm copy, microfiche copy, photocopy or photograph, digital image, and transcription. Depending on the equipment, or the skill of the transcriber, some of these methods can make the text easier to read. Microfilm and microfiche copies are often as good, but it certainly depends on the equipment used to create the copy and the machine used for reading the microform.
Since I changed to a flat-screen monitor of a larger size I have noticed a big improvement in the readability of digital images; but remember, good equipment helps with contrast and clarity but it does not improve the
handwriting. An accurate transcription is welcome any time, otherwise when reading old handwriting I stick to methods that have worked in the past.
Work in short sessions, generally not longer than 45 minutes, once a day. After a few sessions recognition rates improve. Number the text lines and follow the same pattern in the transcription. Write out what is obvious first and go back filling in as letters and words emerge. Keep a guide to the handwriting of the period close at hand.
Conclusion
There are guides to name variants and handwriting online and in print. Here is a mix of resources I find helpful.
The Surnames of Scotland by George F. Black (first pub. 1946 and still in print): Read the Introduction for information about nicknames and to-names.
Surnames in Ireland by Robert Matheson (a modern reprint of two titles first published ca 1900) - part two of this publication is all about variant personal names.
Surnames and Genealogy by George Redmonds (2002): a very good account of the origins of names.
Scottish Documents web site (www.scottishdocuments.com) has a helpful guide to Scottish handwriting.