Le Ms. Lyon, B.M. 484 (414) et la méthode de travail de Florus
Louis Holtz
Codicological analysis comes to the aid of palaeography in order unlock some secrets an exceptional document : manuscript 484 (414) municipal library at Lyon. This is original (at least what left it, 21 out 52 quires) Augustinian commentary on Epistles Saint Paul, compiled by deacon Florus, who used manuscripts Augustine brought together during his lifetime capitular library, which was renovated Bishop Leidrad. To call this “original” does not mean that text copied entirely author, although he did participate. Given complexity and scope task, Florus had every reason seek manual help from students, whom himself trained as scribes, so could devote responsibilities befall author a work constructed many sources. Four hands are identified manuscript, two well Lyonnais scribe different circle. Attention bear here three Florian hands, whose independence, spite strong resemblance, traceable constancy with they manifest graphic ticks must have escaped notice scribes themselves. Even more importantly, reveals presence each page, even line. It establishes protocol transcription for whole team. who, microscopic script (how old ?), adds extracts first eliminated, or suppresses others originally included. supervises layout quire quire. re-reads corrects entire text. (and has never been noticed before) oversees punctuation cover cover, which, greater part inserted moments. noticeably reserves right change indistinct media distinctio written into final intermediate punctuation, method applies texts himself. Attempts made identify, among scripts, hand Mannon de Saint-Oyend. The comparison our single copied, little later same scriptorium Lyon, 96 Troyes, eliminates all trace doubt. participate surviving quires probably there composition commentary. possible no other allows us observe closely organisation Carolingian scriptorium.
Revue Bénédictine