Tachygraphie und Tachygraphen bei Basilius von Caesarea – und darüber hinaus

Abstract

Starting from Letter 134 of Basil of Caesarea, the question is asked what Basil means when he uses the term ταχυγράφος. For this purpose, exemplary passages from ancient Christian and non-Christian authors are compiled. It is obvious that a shorthand system was used at that time. However, the question remains whether such a system was always used, especially since many passages do not provide a precise description of the activities of a tachygrapher. Letter 135 of Basil, on the other hand, suggests that a tachygrapher probably did not work exclusively with a shorthand system. Thus, the term ταχυγράφος has no unambiguity in its usage. In part, it is used to refer to persons who have mastered a special system of signs with the help of which they can write faster. In part, however, it is also used to refer to people who write quickly, but using the conventional alphabet.