Parts Level:  Country

Definition:  Country of origin of the manuscript; first of four place-defining elements.

Comment:  In English; the names of modern political divisions, except for occasions of irreconciliable lack of correspondence. If the place of origin is uncertain, it may be followed by a question mark. It is possible to cite more than one country, separated by a semicolon, especially if the script region crosses modern political boundaries, but it is always preferable to choose one country and mention the other, less certain place of origin in the Notes field. This is the only required place designation, so while the computer will accept "Undetermined," it should be an absolute last choice.

Example:

• Rhaetia
• Flanders
• Switzerland?
• Italy
• France; Flanders

Properties:  Data type: text. Field size: 20 characters.

Required?:  Yes.