The fermatas added in FES are most probably a lesson note, being an attempt to shape the correct proportions in the rhythmically free performance of the initial phrase of the Etude. The signs, together with the fingering coming from this copy, prove that Chopin did not feel the need to correct the probably erroneous rhythm of the 4th and 5th note.
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category imprint: Differences between sources
issues: Annotations in teaching copies, Annotations in FES
notation: Rhythm