or that appears only in that one copy yet may in fact be correct and in accord with the rest: in such cases I adopt the sound reading that matches the other manuscripts and make no further comment.
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In recording variants, I name in the footnotes only the symbols of the manuscripts that differ from the established text, not those that agree with it—unless the divergence concerns vocalization.
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I have omitted any notice of differences in the formulas of invoking blessings and prayers upon the Prophet ﷺ, or similar expressions such as the words “the Exalted” or the ligature “﷿”.
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When describing differences in vocalization, I distinguish between signs that pertain to the morphological structure of the word and those that mark grammatical inflection.
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Where the manuscripts present two or more readings, I adopt the one that is stronger or more widely attested and mention the second reading in the footnote.
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From the marginalia of the manuscripts I reproduce any notes that prefer one reading of the text or provide a related benefit, while omitting what is merely explanatory commentary.
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I have cited in the footnotes all the statements of completion and collation found in the copies.
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I have set off the text of Nukhbat al-Fikar from the commentary by printing it in red and enclosing it in parentheses.
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I have furnished concise biographical notes for the lesser-known individuals mentioned in the book.