Manuscript Access and Integrity: Morton Smith's Legacy
Contextualizing Smith's Manuscript Hunting
Morton Smith, a pioneering manuscript hunter of the mid-20th century, was known for his meticulous approach to documenting and photographing ancient texts. His journey to Mar Saba monastery in 1958 resulted in the discovery of Clement’s Letter, a document purportedly containing excerpts from a "Secret Gospel of Mark," sparking both scholarly intrigue and controversy.
The Transfer and Subsequent Disappearance
After discovering the letter, Smith documented its existence and transferred it to the Patriarchal Library in Jerusalem. However, the subsequent history of the manuscript proved tumultuous. Scholars like Thomas Talley, Per Beskow, and Quentin Quesnell encountered challenges in accessing the manuscript, raising concerns about its preservation and control over scholarly examination.
Smith's Approach to Access Control
Contrary to accusations of hoarding or obstructing access, Paananen and Viklund argue that Smith’s actions were in line with the ethical standards of his time. Smith's decision to leave Vossius’s book intact at Mar Saba was not to hinder scrutiny but to preserve the manuscript in situ while facilitating scholarly access through documentation and photography.
Addressing Allegations and Rumors
Allegations suggesting Smith’s involvement in the manuscript’s final disappearance are dismissed by the researchers. Smith consistently reported on the manuscript’s whereabouts and facilitated access for other scholars, demonstrating transparency rather than secrecy in his dealings.
Implications for Manuscript Studies
The case of Clement’s Letter to Theodore underscores broader issues in manuscript studies, including the tension between preservation and access, and the challenges posed by allegations of forgery and authenticity. Smith’s approach, characterized by meticulous documentation and transparent reporting, reflects a pivotal shift towards ethical manuscript hunting practices in the 20th century.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Paananen and Viklund’s examination offers valuable insights into the ethical complexities of manuscript studies and the legacy of Morton Smith. Their research invites scholars to reevaluate historical narratives surrounding manuscript access and underscores the importance of transparency and scholarly collaboration in the preservation of ancient texts.
For those interested in delving deeper into this topic, Paananen and Viklund’s full paper can be accessed here: Manuscript Access Control: Morton Smith's Legacy
This blog post highlights the ethical considerations and scholarly legacy of Morton Smith in the context of manuscript access control, drawing from Paananen and Viklund’s comprehensive analysis.
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