Dating Manuscripts: What Is at Stake in the Steps Usually (but Infrequently) Taken
Denis Muzerelle
All scholars who work with manuscripts must confront the question their dating. But in most cases, this is a preliminary operation that tackled when stage being set. Once dealt with, problem forgotten as one gets on main subject research, whether it philological, historical, artistic, or something else. By virtue its use an auxiliary activity, ends up seeming minor marginal, while reality vital. In order to simplify matters, I shall treat only dating temporal framework and from paleographer's point view. my considerations also apply, mutatis mutandis, localization space analysis decoration. Why we date manuscripts? This naive, even trivial question, but here start if are proceed methodically. The answer just elementary. Manuscripts historical objects, such they cannot be correctly interpreted unless have been placed proper chronological geographic context. equally possible reverse relation consider each manuscript archaeological object carries information about milieu produced it, needs defined part by position time. difference between two aspects relationship, which can refer passive active respectively, essential subtle. It seems escape scholars, namely those for whom history book writing not chief concern. These tend first aspect relation, do so very restrictive manner. mean usually interested working has direct impact research at hand; try go beyond degree precision immediately useful framework. approach shortsighted extremely self-centered. For lose possibility exploiting other purposes simply using another context, all sorts potential conveyed question. would like illustrate consequences unjustified negligence examining almost farcical example MS 444 Bibliotheque municipale Laon. (1) contains enormous Greco-Latin glossary, major witness study Greek thus extraordinary importance Carolingian culture. Part was published 1887 Monumenta Germaniae historica. edition preceded, usual, brief erudite introduction. early note learn written Martin Ireland, died 875 according annals. On following page, indicates funeral oration wife Charles Bald, empress Ermentrude, 869. words, more than century anyone could deduce comparing notes had copied during six-year span 869 875, rare period. Strange may seem, comparison these never made, though cited countless articles. authors ninth century, best of second half century. And unpardonable sometimes rather regrettable, because certain number hypotheses formulated untenable takes exact into account. Moreover, within restrictiveness, victims preconceptions habits maintained low level, least general use. …
The Journal of the Early Book Society for the Study of Manuscripts and Printing History