Ancient Documentation
rogersgeorge on October 26th, 2020
An acronym that appears in technical writing circles occasionally is “RTFM,” to remind people to “Read The (ahem) Manual.” Too often people need this reminder.
I found this in a booklet that describes the Antikythera mechanism, an ancient mechanical device that was used for several astronomical calculations:
The Mechanism has a user manual with instructions, like any good instrument or computer. The manual has a mechanical section and an astronomical section. The instructions are written on every available surface of the brass plates of the cover.
https://www.academia.edu/34972240/Antikythera_Mechanism_The_oldest_computer_and_Mechanical_Cosmos_of_the_2_nd_century_BC
I especially like that first sentence. Read your manual!
Here’s a picture from the article. Fortunately, modern typography is somewhat better, leaving you with one less excuse to skip the manual.
My high school biology teacher used to always get our attention by saying “RTFQ”.
“Read the Full Question.”