Reader's marks, annotations, and traces across centuries
The most famous margin symbol, appearing from the 12th century onwards. Readers drew pointing hands to mark important passages. Each hand was unique — some crude, some elegant, some with decorative cuffs.
Asterisks, daggers (†), double daggers (‡), and section signs (§) were used to create reference systems connecting text to marginal notes. Printers later standardized these for footnotes.
Originally marked new paragraphs before indentation became standard. Derived from the letter 'C' for 'capitulum' (chapter). Still used today in typesetting.
A decorative mark used to separate paragraphs or sections, dating from ancient Greek manuscripts. One of the earliest typographic ornaments.
Logical notation symbols, often appearing in scientific and philosophical marginalia to trace the reader's reasoning alongside the author's.