Long S edit

As a journal starting in the 1600s, many early volumes use the "long s" (ſ). This character would today be simple replaced with "s". The {{ls}} template exists for these characters. In the page namespace, this will insert a "ſ" character, but when the page is transcluded to the main namespace, "s" will be seen instead. This has the effect of retaining the integrity of the original text, while raising readability for the modern reader.

However, it can be tedious to insert all of these by hand, especially given the scale of the Philosophical Transactions project. Thus, while it is preferred to use the s templates, it is acceptable to omit them and use a simple "s" instead. The replacement rules are relatively straightforward, so it may be possible to replace them at a later date with semi-automated tools. However, if a previous editor has included them, please do not remove them, as they can only add information. If a previous editor used "s", feel free to add them!

Drop Caps edit

Some issues have drop capitals at the start of the issue. These should be added by extracting the image from the file (use the PDF if it is available to avoid compression artifacts), uploaded to Commons and inserted using the {{dropinitial}} template.

An example is the very first issue at this page.

The markup is {{dropinitial|[[File:Phil Trans - Illuminated Initial - W.png|75px]]}}.

The images should go into the Commons category "Illuminated initials from Philosophical Transactions".

Images edit

Some articles have figures included in separate plates, and later in the body of the text. These need to be extracted from the original PDF if possible to avoid any compression damage from the DJVU format, and uploaded to Commons. Put the image into the Category for that volume, as well as any other appropriate categories.

For example: "Category:Philosophical Transactions - Volume 1" contains the illustrations from all issues in volume 1.

The images should be inserted into the text where it makes sense, and should not be shoved at the end of an article as the plates often were. This was originally done because of limitations in the typesetting process, but it would needlessly cause confusion and broken up reading order in this format. For an example, see here.

Tables edit

Where possible, tables should be transferred to wiki markup, rather than an image. This allows the contents to be copied, pasted, and indexed by search engines. However, if you are uncomfortable with wiki table markup or simply find tables tedious, extract it as an image an include like any other picture. It can always be replaced later with a "real" table.