VMs: Re: Hi

[Nick Pelling <incoming@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Hi Jon,

> Whilst looking through the images and accompanying interlinear file and 
> descriptions, I noticed that a couple of pages (F66V and F86V3) have what 
> are described as 'scribbles' on them, but to me the scribbles are clearly 
> deliberate and similar, rather like someone practising a signature which 
> looks something like 'WR'. I can provide a jpeg comparing the two 
> 'scribbles' but I don't know what the protocol is on this list regarding 
> file attachments.

I'd say it's normally best practice to dump stuff to a simple web page (as 
you, like me, are a software engineer, I'd be surprised if HTML held any 
surprises), and post the URL to the list.

If you also try to remove the 'orb'/'T-map' circle from the scribble (and 
contrast-enhance it in Photoshop or whatever), that might also help make it 
(visually) clearer what's going on there. :-)

> If the information is old-hat and has already been discussed to death then 
> forgive me - I just thought I'd throw it into the pot!

As normal, virtually everything that can be thought has been posted: if you 
haven't got a copy of the mailing list archives yet, that would be a whole 
new world of  pain for you. :-)

On 25th March (the Florentine New Year!) 2001, Dana Scott emailed:

        Subject: VMS -- Chicken Scratch

        Has anyone identified what appear to be notes added at the lower 
left of
        f66v and in the middle of f86v. There is also an orb drawing in the
        middle of f86v. I wonder if it and an original part of the folio.
        Perhaps it was started and then not finished or maybe added later by a
        student/investigator of the manuscript. Has anyone identified the
        meaning of the notes? They appear to be made by the same hand.

However, Dana didn't appear to get any replies - so I guess this is still 
up for grabs.

To my eyes, these marks (especially f86v) look a lot like someone having 
the VMS open at a page, and signing a document on top on thin paper: 
bleedthrough, basically.

Identifying that signature (or even the century that is likely to come 
from!) would be extremely interesting! Beyond "WR", what do you think it 
says? And are you sure you're even looking at it the right way up? :-)

Cheers, .....Nick Pelling.....