More Information
Early last year, I began working on digitization prep for what we at the Preservation & Conservation Department refer to as the Hebraica Collection(opens in a new tab). Since I examine every book and look through many of them page by page, I’ve gotten to know the collection well and seen some interesting things. Surprises found inside the books have included two tiny keys, a long dead cockroach and lots of doodles and scribbles. Below are some examples of my favorite marginalia. The first image is of a book from 1766. Not only was someone practicing their calligraphy, but they also drew three charming little portraits.
Two different books with geometry related doodles:
This last image isn't a doodle exactly, but I love these Rorschach test-like inkblots. I see a butterfly and a pig with its tongue sticking out.
