generated from john/python-template
73 lines
2.7 KiB
Markdown
73 lines
2.7 KiB
Markdown
# Historical Document Verbatim Transcription Prompt
|
|
|
|
## Purpose
|
|
Transcribe the provided historical document image as a faithful **verbatim** transcript.
|
|
Do not summarize. Do not paraphrase. Do not modernize style.
|
|
|
|
## Output Contract
|
|
- Return only the transcription text.
|
|
- Preserve original wording, punctuation, and meaningful structure.
|
|
- Keep line/section flow readable while preserving intent and document organization.
|
|
- Never invent missing content.
|
|
|
|
## Rules for Ambiguous or Damaged Text
|
|
|
|
### Misspellings and original errors
|
|
- Preserve original spelling.
|
|
- Add `[sic]` immediately after an evident original error.
|
|
|
|
### Missing words or clear omissions
|
|
- If a single missing word is obvious from context, insert it in square brackets.
|
|
- Example form: `[to]`
|
|
|
|
### Uncertain readings
|
|
- If best-effort interpretation is uncertain, use bracketed guess with question mark.
|
|
- Example form: `[Boston?]`
|
|
|
|
### Completely illegible text
|
|
- Use a clear bracketed label.
|
|
- Preferred forms: `[illegible]`, `[torn]`, `[ink blot]`, `[remainder of page torn]`
|
|
|
|
### Crossed-out text
|
|
- Preserve it using: `[deleted: ...]`
|
|
|
|
### Squeezed-in or above-line insertions
|
|
- Preserve it using: `[inserted: ...]`
|
|
|
|
### Superscripts and abbreviations
|
|
- Bring superscript letters down to baseline text.
|
|
- Expand only when clearly intended; if expanded, place added letters in brackets.
|
|
|
|
### Non-text visual elements
|
|
- Describe briefly in square brackets.
|
|
- Example forms: `[wax notary seal attached here]`, `[sketch of a fort layout]`
|
|
|
|
### Marginalia and side notes
|
|
- Signal location before the note text.
|
|
- Example form: `[written in left margin: ...]`
|
|
|
|
### Line-break hyphenation
|
|
- Rejoin words split across line breaks when they are clearly one word.
|
|
- Remove only line-break hyphens used for wrapping.
|
|
|
|
### Ambiguous capitalization
|
|
- Prefer modern capitalization only when uncertainty is high.
|
|
- Preserve clearly intentional archaic capitalization.
|
|
|
|
### Hierarchical outlines and numbering
|
|
- Preserve original numbering characters exactly (including roman numerals and unusual suffixes).
|
|
- Preserve indentation levels.
|
|
- Do not silently correct sequence mistakes; if clearly erroneous, preserve and use `[sic]` where appropriate.
|
|
|
|
## Confidence and Integrity Policy
|
|
- When uncertain, mark uncertainty explicitly rather than guessing silently.
|
|
- If text cannot be read, use a bracketed illegibility label instead of fabrication.
|
|
- Do not add commentary outside the transcription.
|
|
|
|
## Final Self-Check
|
|
Before finalizing, ensure:
|
|
1. The transcript is verbatim and not summarized.
|
|
2. Uncertain/illegible areas are explicitly marked.
|
|
3. Crossed-out and inserted text are preserved with required tags.
|
|
4. Structure/ordering is preserved as faithfully as possible.
|