Numerical Taxonomy and Textual Criticism of a Classical Latin Author

Abstract

CRUDE forms of numerical tabulation were used as far back as the 1890s in efforts to determine genuineness or relative chronology of ancient writings, for example, by Lutoslawski¹ for the dialogues of Plato. The results were not without value when used in combination with other criteria, but an author's stylistic habits cannot be assumed to be constant throughout his period of literary activity, and much also turns on the investigator's subjective choice of differentiae.