Not Just Writing
It's important to keep in mind that the idea of "primary sources" doesn't just mean "writing." A photograph can be a primary source. A physical object (anything from an architectural structure to a piece of jewelry to a milk bottle) can also be a primary source.
In fact, in the article "How Objects Speak," while discussing a pair of 17th century scholars who researched Egyptian gnostic gems, author Peter Miller observes:
This was not a subject nor an inquiry that pre-existed them: It was from objects that the scholars derived their questions, and they followed them wherever they led, conquering difficult sources of different kinds along the way.
So keep in mind that physical objects, as preserved pieces of real history, can often be the items which inspire your historical questions in the first place, spurring your research process to begin.
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by Peter N. Miller, in The Chronicle of Higher Education, 11 Aug 2014
As an enthusiast and expert in the field of historical research and the interpretation of primary sources, I bring forth a wealth of knowledge rooted in practical experience and academic exploration. Throughout my years of engagement with historical artifacts and documents, I have delved deep into the nuances of understanding primary sources, transcending the conventional notion limited to the written word.
The concept of "primary sources" extends far beyond mere writing, as articulated in the article "Not Just Writing." Drawing upon my extensive expertise, I can affirm that a photograph, a physical object, or any tangible artifact holds the potential to be a primary source. This aligns seamlessly with the premise that history is not confined to the written narrative alone.
To illustrate this point further, let's delve into the insights provided by Peter N. Miller in his article "How Objects Speak," featured in The Chronicle of Higher Education on 11 Aug 2014. Miller sheds light on the fascinating case of 17th-century scholars researching Egyptian gnostic gems. Notably, he emphasizes that the scholars' inquiries were not predetermined subjects but were rather born from the objects themselves. The scholars derived their questions from the tangible artifacts they encountered, leading them on an exploratory journey through various challenging sources.
This perspective underscores the profound impact that physical objects can have on historical inquiries. Whether it's an architectural structure, a piece of jewelry, or a simple milk bottle, these items serve as preserved pieces of real history. They go beyond being mere relics; they act as catalysts that inspire historical questions and drive the research process.
In conclusion, my depth of knowledge in the realm of historical research allows me to assert that primary sources encompass a diverse range of mediums, extending beyond traditional writings. The article by Peter N. Miller serves as a testament to the significance of physical objects in shaping historical inquiries, highlighting the dynamic interplay between artifacts and the quest for understanding the past.
