Documenting Your Collections
Info-Muse Network Documentation Guide

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History of Use (Physical Description)

Definition:

Observations:

1. This field contains details on the original function or use of an object.
   Example

   	Object Category	Tools & Equipment for Science & Technology
   	Object Sub-category	Medical & Psychological T&E
   	Object Name	auger
   	History of Use	instrument used to pierce holes in bones

2. N.B.: Some objects may have been altered for uses other than their original intended function. Enter any such changes here. It is important not to confuse this field with the Object Category and Object Sub-category fields. According to the Info-Muse classification system for ethnology, history and historical archaeology museums, the classification and name of an object are determined based on its original use.¹
   Example

   	Object Category	Distribution & Transportation Artifacts
   	Object Sub-category	Container
   	Object Name	oil barrel
   	History of Use	oil barrel converted to a stove at a logging camp

3. N.B.: Do not confuse the History of Use field with the Operating Principle field. The History of Use field contains information on the different uses of the object, whereas the Operating Principle field contains a brief description of the object's operating mechanisms.
   Example

   A Gregory telescope used for stargazing

   	Object Name	Gregory telescope
   	History of Use	stargazing
   	Operating Principle	The image is reflected in the first mirror and then in the second, where the image is inverted, before being reflected into the dual eyepiece.

Entry rule:

• The History of Use field is particularly useful when information is entered clearly, concisely and consistently.
  Example

  	Object Name	clawfoot bathtub
  	History of Use	clawfoot bathtub converted into a cattle trough