The historical context
Two institutional biographies can disagree on a detail. Before choosing one value, check whether they use the same scope, definition and publication context. A discrepancy is a reason to investigate, not permission to select whichever number looks more impressive. Your publication can remain useful while an unimportant count is left out pending clarification.
A clearer way to read the evidence
Keep both source identities and record the specific point of disagreement. Seek a record that directly establishes the fact before replacing uncertainty with a definitive statement. If you publish a correction later, retain a concise note explaining what changed. This source practice helps readers distinguish an established milestone from a detail that still needs reconciliation.
Keep in your notes
- Record both sources.
- Check scope and definitions.
- Omit unresolved counts from claims.