[split] Line padding, layout, Currier's "groups of letters"...

[arca_libraria]

I think some of us are talking about f. 112 as a whole, some of us are talking about the faded letters in the outer margin on f. 112r and some are talking about the rectangular blank spot on f. 112v?

The blank rectangle on f. 112v always reminds me of the spaces left in incomplete manuscripts for the addition of minor decorative initials, but I don't think that's the case here because it wouldn't really work with the page layout on f. 112v, and it wouldn't be consistent with the design decisions almost everywhere else in the manuscript. If the f. 112v scribe was copying from an exemplar, then I don't know why he didn't close such a small gap when copying f. 112v unless he didn't understand what he was copying?

It's clear on You are not allowed to view links. Register or Login to view. that the original ink wasn't "taking" correctly toward the right edge. There are a number of instances where letters seem to be half written but abandoned, with the remnants being very blurry.  Something's obviously wrong.

You're right. I can't tell from the photos whether it's excessive grease/oil on the outer edge, or damage to the laminate layer* that's causing the problem. I don't know if it's because f. 112r is a hair-side and the hair was a bit difficult to remove (you can easily see the follicle dots on the page) and so the surface was damaged, or maybe the scribe just rested a greasy hand on the outer edge? I don't know. 

*Laminate layer =  the surface of the parchment after it has been soaked, scraped and smoothed - it is extremely thin and slightly glossy, a bit like the polished surface of a wooden table or floor. If you rub one particular spot too much, or don't prepare it correctly then it will not take ink properly. Parchments made from sheep and goat skin have particularly strong laminate layers, but they are also damaged much more easily, and damage/corrections are usually much more visible than on calf parchment.