For illustration purposes: Beinecke's images of the head, tail and fore-edge of Ms 408:
![[Image: 11868207_quarter.jpg]](https://brbl-media.library.yale.edu/images/11868207_quarter.jpg)
![[Image: 11868208_quarter.jpg]](https://brbl-media.library.yale.edu/images/11868208_quarter.jpg)
![[Image: 11868209_quarter.jpg]](https://brbl-media.library.yale.edu/images/11868209_quarter.jpg)
The foldouts and their refoldings/rebindings do make these sections more difficult to evaluate from the edge view.
Based on these images it seems to me that the traces of use are consistent with what can be seen in a book that has been used. The fore-edge shows darker marks which could be caused by oils from fingers holding it open.
Also in used books the beginning half is typically more worn than the end one. The initial section (big plants) appears more worn that the last section (Q20), but that may just be an impression.
The foldouts and their refoldings/rebindings do make these sections more difficult to evaluate from the edge view.
Based on these images it seems to me that the traces of use are consistent with what can be seen in a book that has been used. The fore-edge shows darker marks which could be caused by oils from fingers holding it open.
Also in used books the beginning half is typically more worn than the end one. The initial section (big plants) appears more worn that the last section (Q20), but that may just be an impression.