Sophie Scott

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Sophie Scott (life data unknown) developed and invented a shorthand system for the German language , which was published in Vienna in 1831 in a 109-page book called "Homographie" . Alongside Catherine Nobbe, Sophie Scott is the only known female inventor of a German-language shorthand system and thus went down in shorthand history.

The riddle of their real identity has not yet been solved. In her foreword to her shorthand textbook, the author writes under the pseudonym “Lady Sophie Scott” and claims: “This invention, unique of its kind, stands as a completed masterpiece, mocking every highly praised shorthand - unattainable and surpassing everything. The world will probably never find out my real name, but the name Sophie Scott should still be remembered from mouth to mouth in later times ... The world should convince itself that I was born on English soil. God willing I had so many hands to write with as new ideas and inventions. "

Script example: Eating an egg in peace is better than an ox under a sword.

Sophie Scott was so convinced of her “homography” that she “solemnly” asked everyone to spread, acknowledge, participate and support this then new font. Your system belongs to the so-called position systems with punctiform reproduction of the vowels . Small horizontal or diagonal lines are added to a straight smear (stick). Depending on the position of these horizontal or oblique lines, the accompanying sounds are designated. This gives the writing a visual similarity to the Acropolis writing . The vowels are indicated by a point or by a very small vertical or horizontal line at different heights. The rod can also be omitted when using a ruling, as this means that the positions can also be seen. Sophie Scott offered 100 ducats to improve her system.

Individual evidence

  1. ↑ L. Schneider among others: History of the German shorthand . Heckners Verlag, Wolfenbüttel 1936, p. 279
  2. ^ Karl Faulmann: Historical grammar of shorthand . Published by A. Pichler's Witwe & Sohn, Vienna 1887, p. 278

literature

  • Faulmann, Karl : History and literature of shorthand . Vienna 1894
  • Johnen, Christian: General history of shorthand . 3rd edition, Berlin 1928
  • Knopka, Peter: Catherine. A German inventor of shorthand . In: Deutsche Stenografenzeitung . 11/1980, pp. 233–235 (including comments on Sophie Scott)
  • Krieg, Heinrich: Catechism of shorthand. A guide for teachers and learners of shorthand in general and the Gabelsberger system in particular . 2nd edition, Leipzig 1888
  • Scott, Lady Sophie: Homography, Vienna 1831
  • Shorthand inventors . In: The stenography teacher. Journal promoting the teaching and scientific research of shorthand and typing . 3/1950, pp. 94-95

Web links

personal data
SURNAME Scott, Sophie
BRIEF DESCRIPTION Inventor of a shorthand system for the German language
DATE OF BIRTH before 1831
DATE OF DEATH after 1831