The first is a direct scan from the original volume (MSA C1416-1) on an overhead Zeutschel scanner, scanned at 300 dpi. 

The second is a scan from a microfilm (MSA CM 844-1, CR 6397-2).

Both are provided as a test for comparison purposes of two approaches to bringing original records to the web in as legible a form as could be expected from microfilm viewed on the best microfilm reader.  In the case of the direct scan, it would appear that the results are even better than the best scans from high contrast copy microfilm, and they are obtained at a fraction of the cost of new film, although it is currently (6/30/2000) less expensive to scan from existing film, assuming the results are sufficently legible to meet most research requirements.

Over time it is hoped that staff and volunteers will transcribe the text of this and other volumes in the series, replacing the in-line image on each page with searchable text, but leaving the underlying image of the original page intact.  For examples see: archivesofmaryland.net.