Cambridge, University Library, MS Add. 1879.8
Diktyon no.: Diktyon 77958
Contents
Language(s): Greek
Physical Description
Hand(s)
Text running horizontally on the outer face of the board was written by Hand A in slanted ogival majuscule script, on another surface, and transferred across onto the board.
Text running vertically on the outer face of the board was written by Hand B in an upright majuscule script, on another surface, and printed across onto the board.
Text running vertically on the outer face of the board was written by Hand C in minuscule script, slanting slightly to the right, on another surface, and transferred across onto the board.
Text running vertically on the inner face of the board was written by Hand C in an upright minuscule script, on another surface, and transferred across onto the board.
Additions
Binding
A single board of a medieval or early modern binding from the eastern Mediterranean. The grain of the wood runs parallel from head to tail. The edges of the board are square with the exception of the spine edge, which has a peripheral cushion.
Sewing thread once used as a board attachment remains. The sewing thread passes between eight sewing attachment holes in four pairs. From the head edge these pairs are measured at 46mm, 89mm, 175mm, 211mm. The sewing thread passes between the holes in an S-pattern on the inside of the board from head to tail. Recesses are cut for the thread to pass between each pair but not for the diagonal thread. One end of the sewing thread can be seen at the uppermost pair of sewing attachment holes. There is one hole just below the uppermost pair of sewing attachment holes which contains thread remnants, though its use is unclear.
A pair of anchor holes at head and tail exist to accommodate the endband sewing tie downs. They are no further than 25mm from the spine edge of the board and no further than 20mm from the head- or tail-edge. Three endband threads remain, very similar to the sewing thread, passing through the endbanding holes closest to the spine edge and three through the next, at both head and tail. Recesses are cut for the endband threads to pass on the outside face of the board only.
Two groups of three holes, in a triangular pattern, exist towards the fore-edge of the board, these holes possibly indicate the presence of straps at one point. It is unclear whether the three holes are a set or a pair and a single.
Remnants of a textile spine lining exist, passing over the spine edge of the board and extending onto the outer face.
Patches of parchment, and possibly tawed skin (seen on the outer face of the board but obscured by a later parchment sheet on the inner face) have been used to repair a split in the board, which can be detected at the head edge. A sheet of parchment, almost the size of the board, is adhered to the inner face of the board, probably once again to stabilise splits in the board.
Remnants of previous leather coverings exist, at the outer face towards the spine edge of the board and as turn-ins at the head and tail on the inner face of the board.
History
Provenance and Acquisition
Owned by the Biblical scholar Constantin von Tischendorf (1815-1874) .
Bought by the University Library from Tischendorf's executors in 1876.
Additional Information
Record Sources
Availability
Entry to read in the Library is permitted only on presentation of a valid reader's card. For information on eligibility and admissions procedures, see Joining the Library). For further enquiries, and to confirm the availability of the manuscript, please contact the Special Collections Reading Room.
Bibliography
-
Hand-list of the additional Greek manuscripts
in the University Library, Cambridge Scriptorium, Easterling, Patricia
E. (16, 2, 302-323, 1962)
Funding of Cataloguing
The Polonsky Foundation
Digital Images
Abbreviations
View list of abbreviations and editorial conventions.
