IN SUMMARY : there are five ways to read objects...as instruments, as symbols, as images, as indicators, and as referents. written sources become increasingly significant when we move from instruments to referents. polysemous meanings perceived by others are best sorted through utilizing written records. "objects can illuminate words. they cannot replace them." (p. 40). meanings are not inherent to an object or ascribed by the designer, they belong to the group of people to whom the object is relevant. as meanings change, so do groups.
FOR CONVERSATION : discuss the importance of multiple sources in "doing" history. taking maquet's position, what happens if written sources are not available to pair with an object under scrutiny? speculate on maquet's approach that suggests the meanings of commissioner and designer are not relevant in the face of group-assigned significance. what happens when we leave the first two meanings out of the equation? discuss the "capital sins of research" and maquet's strategies to avoid them (p. 38).
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