Original records | Evidence Explained

Is a Database a Source?

Is a database a source? Of course, of course! As researchers, we can use anything as a source. The issue is whether its information is reliable. Before we can reach a decision about the accuracy of any single source ...

EE Sun, 05/17/2026 - 08:32

Chasing Abstracts to the Originals

Yesterday’s QuickTest presented a page from a published source, with a helpful abstract of a document. We used the abstract to locate the original, then presented you with a typescript of the full document—inviting you to compare the two and tell us whether-and-why the effort was or was not worth it. ...

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Applying the Evidence Analysis Map to DNA—Part 1: Sources

Inquiring minds have asked, “About DNA and the GPS: How is DNA related as to source, information, and evidence with regard to the match and the most recent common ancestor?"

Yesterday, we tackled the first issue: separating two different tools that are often mentally merged:

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Hairsplitting Those Property & Probate Records

Originals? True originals? Duplicate originals? Record copies? Certified records? The ‘most original'? How do I tell the difference? Does it even matter? ...

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Image Copies: Originals or Derivatives?

7 July 2014 The debate continues. When we use an image copy, do we consider that to be an original or a derivative? As with all other aspects of research, it depends—which means it is a judgment call we make on the basis of a thoughtful evaluation of what we're using. That judgment is ...

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