Theos-Talk Archives (August 2001 Message tt00081)

In a message dated 08/03/01 12:57:30 PM, blavatskyarchives@yahoo.com writes:

>>"Why should I not recommend the T. Co. edition? Did you find any 
>>changes in meaning ? The difference in the PREFACE as to the 
>>spelling of 'Bhagavad Gita / Bhagavadgita' seem to me to fall under 
>>this. In any case that is not the TEXT of the VOICE."
>
>As soon as I read this and similar statements I knew that Dallas, for
>reasons best known to him, was now quibbling with me about the 
>definition of "verbatim"!!

The definition of the word verbatim as "word for word" means the "word" as 
spoken or written in context, and has no relationship to spelling, 
typographical changes or errors, grammatical corrections, or missing 
diacritical marks or other necessary changes in transcription -- so long as 
the meaning of the word in the context of the sentence it is written in, is 
understood by the reader, with or without the changes, as the original writer 
intended. In all publishing circles, there has never been a problem with th
is interpretation of the words "verbatim transcription," and there is no need 
to note when such changes are made. As a previous editorial director, I've 
noticed that there are many brilliant and not so brilliant writers of 
scientific and philosophical (as well as theosophical) books that may be 
considered well written, who would be considered as completely illiterate if 
they didn't have knowledgeable and literate editors before and after their 
books were typeset. 

However, editors do take a liberty when changes in wording are made that 
change the meaning of a word and, consequently, the sentence -- which 
reflects the opinion or misunderstanding of the editor. 

It's possible, however, that all teachers can make mistakes in their earlier 
writings that they correct later when teaching their students orally. Such 
students, who are cognizant of the modified, corrected or reinterpreted 
verbal teachings may be justified in making changes in "verbatim" 
transcriptions of earlier writings that reflect the teachers own later 
corrections, or modifications of meanings.