Final answer:
A notation in a business letter or memo indicates when it was typed by someone other than the writer, which is common in professional settings. Identifying who keyed and authored the document ensures accountability and clarity. Understanding the intended audience is also key to interpreting a document's meaning.
Step-by-step explanation:
When a business letter or memo is keyed by someone other than the writer, a notation is usually included to indicate this. This is often done in professional environments where an assistant or administrative professional types up correspondence for someone else. The practice allows for proper credit and accountability for the document's content.
For example, in a law firm, as per the custom mentioned in the provided text, multiple individuals might have keys to an office, allowing them access to type or manage documents. Similarly, the person who actually keyed the letter or memo might not be the one whose signature appears on the document.
In such cases, a notation such as 'Dictated by X and typed by Y' is added, usually at the end of the document. This ensures clarity regarding who authored the content and who physically keyed it in.
Understanding the intended audience of the text is crucial for correct interpretation, as miscommunication can arise from not knowing the context—whether the text is a private correspondence or meant for public view, influences its meaning.
Reflecting on this, one can appreciate the potential complexity found in analyzing historical texts, such as private letters between friends versus public documents. Historians must consider who sent the document and to whom it was intended to discern its true context and intent.