A
manicule is a unique symbol. Literally it takes the form of a
hand with an outstretched index figure, gesturing towards a
particularly pertinent piece of text or a direction.
Although manicules are still visible today in old signage and
retro décor, their heyday was in medieval and Renaissance
Europe.
Despite its
centuries-long popularity, the first-ever use of a manicule is
surprisingly difficult to find. They were reportedly used in the
Domesday Book of 1066, a record of land ownership in England and
Wales. Widespread use began around the 12th century. The name
comes from the Latin word manicula, meaning little hand, but the
punctuation mark has had other synonyms, including bishop’s
fist, pointing hand, digit, and fist.
As far as punctuation marks go, the manicule’s function was
fairly self-explanatory. Usually drawn in the margin of a page
(and sometimes between columns of text or sentences), it was a
way for the reader to note a particularly significant paragraph
of text. They were essentially the medieval version of a
highlighter.
The use and dynamic of
manicules changed once books began to be printed. This new
technology allowed writers and publishers to highlight what they
believed to be significant. The little hands with outstretched
finger make it easy to find the key points without re-reading
the whole text.
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