`` We have no autograph manuscripts of the Greek and Roman classical writers and no copies which have been ( compared ) with the originals ; the manuscripts we possess derive from the originals through an unknown number of intermediate copies , and are consequentially of questionable trustworthiness . `` We have no autograph manuscripts of the Greek and Roman classical writers and no copies which have been collated with the originals ; the manuscripts we possess derive from the originals through an unknown number of intermediate copies , and are consequentially of questionable trustworthiness .