[split] Relying on external imagery

[-JKP-]

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If the Voynich is written in cipher then if it is merely a reproduction of other material and not in some way original there seems little point in enciphering it. Why encipher something that is available elsewhere in an undeciphered form?

Access to books was quite restricted in the early 15th century. Not only could many people not read, but many of the manuscripts were in the private collections of noble families and unlikely to be seen outside an elite circle.

So... even if something existed elsewhere in undeciphered form doesn't mean it was available to other than a privileged few. It took from 6 months to a year to create many manuscripts, sometimes longer. Obviously, the purchaser would need deep pockets to pay the cost of the scribes.