Hello Christoph, In my initial attempts to make inroads into an understanding of the VMS it was suggested to me that all that really counts are the facts that can be ascertained concerning this mysterious manuscript. While this may be the Shangri-La in our utopian quest for the hidden truths lying in wait to be unraveled within this wonderful document, I find that I enjoy the revelations made by this distinguished group of Voynicheros as we delve into its mysteries and progress in our diverse struggles. Christoph Neidhart wrote: > Dear Dana Scott -- > > As I understand, you're the one who did the herbal > analysis others have referred to. What are your major > findings? Having majored in Biology in college, what better place to begin than to attack the "truth" concerning the botanical drawings in the VMS. I have attached here a copy (incomplete no doubt) of the suggested identifications of the plants found in the VMS. A number of individuals have contributed to this list and it may go without saying that most, if not all, matches may be challenged; however, it is my impression that a sufficient number of identifications are close enough to known plants to suggest that the author of the VMS did indeed study real world flora. What got me started investigating the VMS plants was the match of the plant in f09v to Viola tricolor (not my discovery). I was so impressed by this match that I immediately made it a personal challenge to seek out further matches. While it may seem that good progress has been made in this endeavor there is still a great deal of work to be done. Identifying the plants might be considered the easy part. It seems reasonable that an understanding of why these particular plants were chosen would provide significant insight into the direction in which the scribe of the VMS was headed. And then there is the possibility that knowledge of the plants may assist in the interpretation of the text. > Were you the one to demonstrate that f33v > is not a sunflower? Thus showing that Brumbaugh's > idea that the ms. must date from post 1493 is not > convincing. I do not know who originally debunked the sunflower theory of the plant drawing in f33v. I refer you to Stolfi's excellent commentary concerning the "sunflower": http://www.dcc.unicamp.br/~stolfi/voynich/98-01-17-sunflower/ Perhaps out of frustration I have temporarily given in to the suggestion that the drawing in f33v may represent a hybrid of Helianthus annuus. It is sort of like staking a claim when all that has been found is some gold dust. It gives me a chance to move on to other "digs". There have been additional herbal matches that have moved my investigations into the Western Hemisphere court. Dahlia (f28v) comes to mind. > > And a few other question, if I may: Do you ever find it > frustrating to deal with a mystery that seems virtually > impossible to be solved? I am not frustrated by "a mystery that seems virtually impossible to be solved". The mystery/solution to deciphering the text may be the catalyst but it is surely the venture to this quest that is most intriguing/appealing. Little discoveries along the way (gold dust) are very appealing. There are many stones to be uncovered in the VMS and with each new discovery there is a moment of intense excitement, the Aha's, the I've got it, and the It must be/It just has to be. But then the test of the ring (bull ring, boxing ring, coliseum) often finds our theories torn to shreds. Knowing that we can come back another day seems to keep us going. I have enjoyed very much learning about the life and times of the Medieval and Renaissance periods, in addition to a little botany along the way. > What was your initial motivation to get "hooked"? > > Have you ever physically seen the VMS? Do you > think a physical inspection is crucial for the solution? > While I have walked by the Beinecke Library a number of times, it was long before I knew anything about the Voynich manuscript. A professional reproduction copy in color of the VMS would most likely be adequate for a detailed investigation of the manuscript; however, this should be supplemented with a thorough analysis of the vellum, ink, and binding. I would like to have access to a digital copy of the manuscript which allowed for detailed analysis including zooming capability. In the end, however, nothing would substitute for an opportunity to make an in person examination of the Voynich manuscript (sort of like visiting the Sistine Chapel). Regards, Dana Scott > > Thank you very much, > best > > Christoph Neidhart
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VMS Botany Summary.doc
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