which could later find expression

[GoldfishLord]

Concepts of nature are always cultural statements. This may not strike Europeans as much of an insight, for Europe’s landscape is so much of a blend. But in the new worlds ― ‘new’ at least to Europeans ― the distinction appeared much clearer not only to European settlers and visitors but also to their descendants. Hence the fond conceit of primeval nature untrammelled by human associations which could later find expression in a reverence for wilderness.

Retrieved from https://www.google.co.kr/search?q="...Xotc2VycC1tb2Rlc8ABAQ&sclient=mobile-gws-serp

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"could" means "was able to."
This sense of could can only be used to literally mean "have the ability" and NOT "successfully did something."
For that reason, I regard "could" as incorrect.
I'd like to know what you think about that.

 

[GoesStation]

"Would" would fit. "Could" doesn't. I suspect it's an OCR error.

 

[probus]

In case some learners are not familiar with the abbreviation OCR, it stands for optical character recognition. In other words, it's teaching computers to read words printed on paper. Needless to say, computers are less than perfect at that task.

 

[jutfrank]

I think could is absolutely fine and that it's not an OCR error. Your reasons for discounting it are not exactly right. Also, I think it's better to think of could as expressing possibility rather than ability. The Europeans' image of nature made the reverence possible.

But I'd expect to see would there, yes.

 

[GoldfishLord]

But I'd expect to see would there, yes.

1. I'd also like to know if "see would" means "become aware of the word would, using your eyes".
2. I'd also like to know if "yes" is being used to emphasize what you have just said.

 

[jutfrank]

1. No. I mean that I think would is more typical for such use in a historical narrative.
2. No, it's to support the views in posts #1 and #2.

 

[GoldfishLord]

But I'd expect to see would there, yes.

I'd like to know what "see" means in that context.

2. No, it's to support the views in posts #1 and #2.

I'd like to know if "it's to support the views" is a shortened from of "it's being used to support the views".

 

[emsr2d2]

I'd like to know what "see" means in that context.

It means the same as it usually means.