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Progress update, 25 to 31 May 2013

By Tim Causer, on 31 May 2013

Welcome along to the progress update for the period 25 to 31 May 2013, during which time further excellent progress has been made by Transcribe Bentham volunteers. 9,423 words of Bentham text were transcribed this week, along with another 3,182 words of TEI XML.

5,636 manuscripts have now been transcribed or partially-transcribed, which is an increase of 31 on last week’s total. Of these transcripts, 5,350 (94.9%) are of the required standard and have been locked.

The more detailed state of progress is as follows:

The most intriguing find this week was a manuscript transcribed by Keith Thompson, in which Bentham describes what he calls his ‘Phäeton-Stage’. This appears to have been a form of public transport, in which the first-class prisoners would be seated on an upper level in reclining seats in separate compartments. The carriage itself would have suspension to ensure a smooth ride, a ‘well in the Hold – to hold Wine and Provisions’, a ‘Travelling Kitchen’, and ‘Conversation-Tubes between the Front and Back-Seats’. It certainly sounds more comfortable than the MegaBus.

To celebrate (if that’s the correct term) the 181st anniversary of Bentham’s death, a pop-up exhibition will take place next to his auto-icon, in the South Cloisters at UCL between 10 and 4. Visitors will be able to respond to a series of questions about the auto-icon, and talk to staff from UCL Museums and the Bentham Project. Do pop along if you are around!

We are also delighted to say that from next Wednesday (5 June), Transcribe Bentham will be part of the wider ‘Digital Transformations’ exhibition in UCL’s Octagon Gallery. Several Bentham manuscripts will be on display, along with the volunteer-produced transcripts, and we hope this will serve to promote both Transcribe Bentham and the work of volunteers. We will be able to provide pictures of the exhibition next week, so keep an eye on the bog.

As always, many thanks to everyone who has given their time to Transcribe Bentham during the last seven days. It remains greatly appreciated by us all.

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