Technical link between f1r (Index) and the ‘trop’ section (f103r-f116r) via Occitanian pharmaceutical shorthand.

[ffacosta]

Working Paper: Structural Cross-References and Numeral Dualism in Beinecke MS 408

Abstract
This paper identifies a functional coordination between the marginal tags of Folio 1r and the headers of the pharmaceutical section. By analyzing the paleographic evolution of the numeral "4" (Archaic vs. Modern Indo-Arabic forms) and applying a vertical transposition grid consistent with 15th-century Montpellier apothecary practices, a systematic method for information retrieval within the codex is revealed.

1. The Numeral Dualism: Bennet D and Bennet L
A critical barrier to MS 408 decipherment has been the inconsistent interpretation of the glyph Bennet L (frequently misread as "8"). A comparative paleographic analysis suggests this is an Archaic 4 (13th/14th-century de rasi style), while Bennet D represents the Modern 4 of the 15th-century transition.

Bennet D (Functional/Practical 4): Predominantly found in the "Syrup" section (trop). It denotes physical measurements, ratios, and practical dosages in an apothecary context (e.g., p. 4).

Bennet L (Theoretical/Qualitative 4): Employed in the Zodiacal and Biological sections (san). It denotes Galenic "Qualities" (the four humors, the four degrees of intensity) and temporal quadrants (Lunar cycles).

Evidence: The consistent grouping of "nymphs" in quaternary clusters within the zodiacal folios validates the functional use of Bennet L as a cyclical marker rather than a cardinal count of eight.

2. Vertical Transposition and Information Retrieval
The codex structure suggests a Secretum (Secret of the Trade) encoding, a standard practice among Mediterranean guilds to protect proprietary formulas from industrial espionage.

The Mechanism: A columnar data matrix. When processed through vertical reading and subsequent inversion—a technique consistent with medieval Occitanian shorthand—the statistically high-frequency repetitions (e.g., sor) resolve into coherent technical abbreviations (e.g., Ros for Rosa).

The Pointer System: The marginal tag port in the primary index (f1r), when inverted, yields trop, serving as a direct pointer to the pharmaceutical volume beginning at f103r.

3. Comparative Analysis: f1r and f103r
Applying the Occitanian grid to the pharmaceutical jars (albarellos) in f103r yields high-confidence matches with the summary instructions found in f1r:

Vessel Labels: Decoded as Oli (Oil), Mèl (Honey), and Aiga (Water).

Instructional Correlation: f1r prescribes a specific preparation (Oli Ros p.8), which is explicitly mapped to the corresponding vessel in the f103r sub-section using the identical numeral/shorthand set. This demonstrates a cross-reference system for compounding medicine.

4. Conclusion
Beinecke MS 408 functions as a Software-like Manual for a medical practitioner. The "Voynichese" is a secondary layer—a data-management system designed for quick reference by a trained apothecary from the Montpellier school, likely influenced by the practica of Johannes de Tornamira.