This paper discusses James Watt’s copying method for manuscripts and copy books, based on the appraisal of the available literature and a survey in private and public archives in Greece. The results of the survey provided enlightening information about copy books, the extent of their use, purchase and manufacture. The structure of copy books, their materials, as well as, the special characteristics of the copies are described. The study focuses on the factors influencing the quality of the copies based on the documentation of Schliemann’s copy books. There was an attempt to compare the state of deterioration recorded in the copies to that of manuscripts written in iron gall inks.