Epigraphy

Epigraphy (Greek, επιγραφή - "written upon") is the study of inscriptions engraved into stone or other permanent materials, or cast in metal, the science of classifying them as to cultural context and date, elucidating them and assessing what conclusions can be deduced from them. The study of ancient handwriting, usually in ink, is a separate field, Paleography.

See also

• Writing systems, a general review and survey

Other studies of the writing of texts include:

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• Palaeography, the study of handwriting, often a basis for dating a document or even an inscription, (further links available in Palaeography article);
• Papyrology, the study of manuscripts written on papyrus;
• Numismatics, the study of coins;
• Graffiti, informal scratched texts, more individual than official;
• Orthography, the set the rules and structure of a writing system;
• Typography, selection and arrangement of type;

this list needs extending, with each category briefly summarized

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