---
name: primary-source-evaluation
description: Authenticate, date, and critically assess historical documents for provenance, reliability, and bias with systematic source criticism methodology
allowed-tools: Read, Grep, Write, Edit, Glob, WebFetch
---

# Primary Source Evaluation

Authenticate, date, and critically assess historical documents for provenance, reliability, and bias with systematic source criticism methodology.

## Overview

This skill enables rigorous evaluation of primary historical sources. It encompasses authentication, dating, provenance assessment, and bias analysis using systematic source criticism methodologies to support historical research.

## Capabilities

### Authentication
- Document analysis
- Handwriting examination
- Material assessment
- Seal and signature verification
- Forgery detection

### Dating Methods
- Paleographic analysis
- Content dating
- Cross-referencing
- Material dating
- Contextual placement

### Provenance Assessment
- Ownership history
- Chain of custody
- Archive documentation
- Publication history
- Collection context

### Bias Analysis
- Author perspective
- Purpose identification
- Intended audience
- Contemporary context
- Comparative assessment

## Usage Guidelines

### Evaluation Process
1. Establish source identity
2. Verify authenticity
3. Determine date and origin
4. Trace provenance
5. Analyze purpose and bias
6. Assess reliability
7. Document findings

### Source Criticism Questions
- Who created the source?
- When was it created?
- Why was it created?
- For whom was it intended?
- How has it been transmitted?
- What biases are present?

### Documentation Standards
- Record source metadata
- Note physical characteristics
- Document analytical methods
- Preserve findings
- Cite appropriately

## Integration Points

### Related Processes
- Archival Research Methodology
- Primary Source Analysis
- Historical Narrative Construction

### Collaborating Skills
- archival-finding-aid-interpretation
- citation-scholarly-apparatus
- tei-text-encoding

## References

- Historical methodology texts
- Paleography guides
- Diplomatic analysis standards
- Source criticism frameworks