Talk:berth

croſſe timbers

@Sgconlaw: The width of the space is the same as between the words “the ſhips greateſt breadth” on the same page; that does not mean we should omit the spaces (theſhipsgreateſtbreadth). See the 1907 and 1986 republications, which include the space. This Wiktionary entry is the only result when searching for unspaced “crossetimbers”. J3133 (talk) 11:49, 3 July 2024 (UTC)

@Sgconlaw: The transcription of the same page on Early English Books Online also includes the space. J3133 (talk) 12:02, 3 July 2024 (UTC)

@J3133: I’m not sure how much later republications can be relied upon, especially if they are not direct reprints. It depends very much on the transcriber, and sometimes the text is even modernized. The kerning in “crosse timbers” seems the same as between “ships greatest”, but narrower than “greatest breadth”. Anyway, I think it’s a minor point so change it back if you wish. Thanks. — Sgconlaw (talk) 12:52, 3 July 2024 (UTC)

@Sgconlaw: Early English Books Online does not modernize the text and marks every detail, including line breaks and unclear and misprinted letters. As far as I am aware, its transcriptions are done by scholars; is there any reason why we should not trust it here? J3133 (talk) 13:00, 3 July 2024 (UTC)

@J3133: I guess EEBO is trustworthy; I'm not so sure about other compilations, especially 19th-century ones. They vary a lot in quality. Sometimes they modernize spellings without mentioning they have done so, and it only becomes obvious if you compare the text with other sources like the OED. — Sgconlaw (talk) 13:28, 3 July 2024 (UTC)