The author makes a rough diagnosis of how the translating activity has been historicized throughout its history. Though there are parts of that history that are well charted, there still remain unknown territories and large empty spaces yet to be filled in. There are also 'mistakes' that need to be amended, according to the author. The blanks include, among others, the history of interpreting, the daily practice of translation, lost originals which only survive in translation, and old theoretical and critical traditions of the East and Middle East. The author also pinpoints forgotten aspects of practical, everyday forms of translation that are not as well documented as those of a more cultural of scientific character.