I would agree that the Tractatus de Herbis tradition is one of the most important in relation to the VMS. It is not only the plants that bear some similarities, but some of the accompanying stories in the later versions (close in time to the VMS) show some cultural similarities.
Also, I think René would agree that in particular Masson 116/Casanatense 459/Sloane 4016 include important parallels.
As I've said in the past, I think whoever was in charge of the plants had knowledge of plants and did not rely on any one source. I think it is a synthesis of personal knowledge and a variety of references. I'm pretty sure this is someone who had access to a library or perhaps more than one library. Someone who filled a role similar to Jacobi Sinapius, but in an earlier time, would be a good candidate. In the 15th century it was very common for those who tended herb gardens to become doctors and for those who were doctors to sometimes become involved in managing herb gardens, especially those belonging to kings.
Kings surrounded themselves with doctors and herbalists. All of them had herb gardens and many of them had five or six doctors. The professionals under their patronage often had access to the king's library and were sometimes even sent off to other libraries to gather information.*
Also, I think René would agree that in particular Masson 116/Casanatense 459/Sloane 4016 include important parallels.
As I've said in the past, I think whoever was in charge of the plants had knowledge of plants and did not rely on any one source. I think it is a synthesis of personal knowledge and a variety of references. I'm pretty sure this is someone who had access to a library or perhaps more than one library. Someone who filled a role similar to Jacobi Sinapius, but in an earlier time, would be a good candidate. In the 15th century it was very common for those who tended herb gardens to become doctors and for those who were doctors to sometimes become involved in managing herb gardens, especially those belonging to kings.
Kings surrounded themselves with doctors and herbalists. All of them had herb gardens and many of them had five or six doctors. The professionals under their patronage often had access to the king's library and were sometimes even sent off to other libraries to gather information.*