Sigillography, n. ~ The study of seals. Rt: seal signature

space-saving microfilm ~ see: disposal microfilming
span dates ~ see: inclusive dates
special diplomatics, n. ~ Diplomatics · The application of diplomatic theory (general
diplomatics) to a particular records creator, including an analysis of the particular
characteristics of the creator’s recordkeeping procedures and resulting documents.
BT: diplomatics
special list, n. ~ A finding aid that describes series, folders, or items from different
collections that relate to the same topic.
BT: finding aid
Notes: A special list typically goes into greater detail than a standard finding aid.
special records, n. ~ Materials stored separately from other records because their
physical form or characteristics require unusual care or because they have nonstandard
sizes.
BT: record
RT: nonprint materials, nontextual records, visual materials
Notes: Examples of special records include electronic, audiovisual, microform,
cartographic and remote-sensing imagery, architectural and engineering, printed,
and card records.
special sign, n. ~ Diplomatics · A mark that identifies individuals involved in the
compilation, receipt, or execution of a record.
Syn: Synonym • †: see Bibliography • Superscript: Definition number
specific material designation 366
BT: extrinsic element
†70 (Duranti 1998, p. 138): Among the extrinsic elements, the diplomatists of
medieval documents used to include the special signs, which should be regarded
rather as intrinsic elements because of their function of identifying the persons
involved in the documentation activity. The special signs can be divided into two
categories: the signs of the writer and the subscribers, and the signs of the
chancery or the records office. The first category includes the symbols used by
notaries as personal marks in the medieval period, corresponding to the modern
notarial stamp, and the crosses used by some subscribers in place of their name.
The second category includes the rota and bene valete used by the paper chancery;
the monogram of the sovereign’s personal name used in imperial and royal
chanceries; the initials m.p.r. for manu proprio; the double s for s(ub) scripsi; and
all the various office stamps.