Cordell Pre-1901 Collection of Dictionaries

The subject terms used in the Cordell Pre-1901 database are offered as a selective and simplified guide to the holdings of the collection. They are neither exhaustive nor standardized. We apologize beforehand for the inherent inadequacy of this approach, especially since the searchable title field is both limited to 255 characters in search length and frequently short to the extent of being of little use. A formal, online cataloging project is underway, but it is years away from completion, so the data in some parts of the current database may be enhanced from time to time, based on perceived needs or user requests.

The subject terms themselves are limited to a 255-character field and are listed together separated by semicolons. The terms are based on standard terms found in online catalogs and on emphases that seem particular to dictionaries and other word books. However, the terms used were as broad as possible to include similar items. It is hoped that familiarity with the works by specialists will not require subject indexing that is probably unsupportable in the current database. Finally, some terms are derived advertisements or claims made by the works themselves which may not borne out by content. This approach was highly selective and the product of more than one individual, so while perhaps useful for certain kinds of historical research, we cannot claim that even the same work in subsequent editions will be treated completely similarly. A great deal of review needs to be undertaken to make the database both more useful and reliable.

Explanatory remarks in brackets or parentheses should be ignored in searching. Proper names are in all caps on the list to make them stand out; the search online engine ignores case. For convenience, grammars of languages are cross-listed both on this list and on the language listing. As well, there are subject headings, e.g., "at head" or "association copy," that are designed to facilitate off-line searching by staff of fields currently unavailable to the public. If you have queries about particular terms with respect to a title or titles, please inquire (see below).

An effort is made to achieve accuracy and to keep this listing up to date. Please report any errors or ask questions with the provided form. A browser-based e-mail link is available at the bottom of the page. You may call the department at 812 237-2610 with inquiries as well.