I think the VMS is potentially a very important historical artifact beyond being simply old and interesting.
If the text is meaningful, it has been expressed in an unusual and creative way.
If there is underlying language of a lost or undocumented nature, it's a rare treasure.
If the text someday verifies some of the plant information, there may be a number of botanical firsts.
While considering all these possibilities, I also try to keep a level head... If the text turns out to be meaningless, there may never be a way to substantiate the various interpretations of the drawings other than by self-reference (patterns within the illustrations that are self-confirmatory) and some parts of the manuscript may resist this kind of analysis.
Even so, it's a fascinating journey... so much to learn along the way regardless of the outcome.
If the text is meaningful, it has been expressed in an unusual and creative way.
If there is underlying language of a lost or undocumented nature, it's a rare treasure.
If the text someday verifies some of the plant information, there may be a number of botanical firsts.
While considering all these possibilities, I also try to keep a level head... If the text turns out to be meaningless, there may never be a way to substantiate the various interpretations of the drawings other than by self-reference (patterns within the illustrations that are self-confirmatory) and some parts of the manuscript may resist this kind of analysis.
Even so, it's a fascinating journey... so much to learn along the way regardless of the outcome.