Historical documents reveal their secrets: the digiterati look past the darkness

Robert H. Johnston; Roger L. Easton Jr.; Keith T. Knox

doi:10.1117/12.298293

2 January 1998 Historical documents reveal their secrets: the digiterati look past the darkness

Robert H. Johnston, Roger L. Easton Jr., Keith T. Knox

Proceedings Volume 3300, Color Imaging: Device-Independent Color, Color Hardcopy, and Graphic Arts III; (1998) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.298293
Event: Photonics West '98 Electronic Imaging, 1998, San Jose, CA, United States

Abstract

Advances in digital imaging technology have presented new opportunities for scholars to better study ancient texts through image clarification and enhancement, Textual material exists over a period of at least 5000 years, written on a great variety of material including leather, clay, stone, papyrus, copper and, of course, paper. Much of the knowledge we have of the past emerges through this textual material. The written material provides us with the knowledge and traditions of our past. The histories of religion, technology, science, medicine, astronomy, cartography and commerce are ensconced in the ancient writings left by civilizations and traditions of the past. Not only is knowledge transmitted from this ancient past but records and events of the past are there for use and applications in current times. Records of astronomical occurrences, migratory patterns, climatic incidences, warfare, visions, predictions, pestilence, legends, myths, histories, heroes and despots all play a role in understanding current and future schemes and strategies. Our knowledge base builds on the past and the more we learn about the past the better we can understand and deal with the present and plan for the future.

Citation Download Citation

Robert H. Johnston, Roger L. Easton Jr., and Keith T. Knox "Historical documents reveal their secrets: the digiterati look past the darkness", Proc. SPIE 3300, Color Imaging: Device-Independent Color, Color Hardcopy, and Graphic Arts III, (2 January 1998); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.298293

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