what is facsimile

A facsimile, derived from the Latin "fac simile" meaning "to make alike," refers to a copy or reproduction of an old book, manuscript, map, art print, or other item of historical value that aims to be as true to the original source as possible. It differs from other forms of reproduction by attempting to replicate the source as accurately as possible in scale, color, condition, and other material qualities. Facsimiles are used by scholars to research sources that they do not have access to otherwise, and by museums and archives for media preservation and conservation. They may be produced in limited editions and are often accompanied by a volume of commentary. The term "fax" is a shortened form of "facsimile," although most faxes are not reproductions of the quality expected in a true facsimile. In the digital age, a facsimile most often refers to document reproduction by a photocopy machine or an image scanner.