The Value of Quotations:
By John Nevins Andrews
THIS is found in three things: 1. In the doctrine or fact, or point stated in the quotation; 2. In the reliability of the quotation; 3. In the appending to the quotation of definite references to the book, chapter, and section, or to the volume and page of the author quoted. 1. Of the correctness of the doctrine expressed in a quotation, or of the value of an alleged fact, or of the sharpness of the point it makes, the reader can and will judge for himself. 2. In the matter of the reliability of the quotation, that is to say, in the question whether the author actually uses the language quoted, most readers are compelled to rely upon the integrity of the one who makes the quotation. There is, therefore, the most sacred obligation upon such person to quote accurately and honestly. It will not do to take a quotation found floating in the papers, for which no one is responsible, and give it to your readers as genuine, thereby yourself becoming responsible for its genuineness. The chances are at least equal that a quotation of this kind will not be found reliable. Sometimes they are made from memory by some careless writer, and then, because they suit the views of those who find them, they are quoted from writer to writer, none taking the trouble to go to the original author to see if the words are used by him. Sometimes these quotations are adhered to even by writers who have gone to the author cited and failed to find the words. These writers seem to think that the forgery has become respectable by use. Again, it is sometimes the case that quotations are deliberately coined in malice, in order to blacken the name of some eminent man, or to bring odium upon some sect or some doctrine. Sometimes they are deliberately coined for exactly the opposite purpose. In not a few instances I have taken quotations that were of immense importance if truthful, and have gone through page by page the voluminous works of the author upon whom they were fathered, and found that no such words were used by him. Therefore, those who make quotations should take great care to know that they are reliable. If it is not possible to see the original author, then give the name of a responsible writer who professes to make the quotation. 3. Tell just where the quotation is to be found. If it is an important statement, opponents will dispute its correctness, and deny that the author uses the language. Therefore, tell the volume, chapter, and section, of the work, and accurately name the work and the author. This is better than it is to give volume and page, because with respect to the volume and page, different editions are not always alike. If you quote a newspaper, or any periodical, give the date exactly, or give the volume and number. These suggestions are of much importance. J. N. A.