23-08-2016, 08:05 AM
What I like most about Voynich research is that one learns a lot along the way. Half a year ago, I could name at most three or four constellations, and now I've written a paper about astronomy in the Voynich 
Just to be clear, I think the large plants (like this one) use a different system of mnemonics than the small plants. I have almost exclusively written about the small plants, and I think I understand their underlying system rather well. At least of those that have been mnemonically edited, because some folios look like plain plant drawings and rather rushed.
After several discussions with Diane O'Donovan, I have come to agree that the large plant mnemonics use a different system, and betray a different cultural background. My comment above is mostly based on her analysis of the mnemonic system, which is the one I follow as well for the large plants.
In summary:
- Large plants (O'Donovan): mnemonics are practical, reminding the viewer of the use of the plant. The mentality is that of a pragmatic trader who observes the ways various products are used without imposing any for of prejudice or cultural preference.
- Small plants (Koen): The mnemonics provide a cue to Greek speakers to help them remember the local names of useful/valuable plants or their products. These mnemonics are probably older and likely go back to the Hellenistic era (when intercontinental trade bloomed).
After having read many of Diane's analyses of the large plant mnemonics, I am fairly certain that they do indeed refer to their practical use. Since it is very likely that these images were composed before the 15thC and outside of Europe, these uses can be obscure and hard to find out for modern viewers. One advantage is that many of the traditional uses for plants have been maintained in certain rural areas (see my previous post), which can be a starting point.
Just to be clear, I think the large plants (like this one) use a different system of mnemonics than the small plants. I have almost exclusively written about the small plants, and I think I understand their underlying system rather well. At least of those that have been mnemonically edited, because some folios look like plain plant drawings and rather rushed.
After several discussions with Diane O'Donovan, I have come to agree that the large plant mnemonics use a different system, and betray a different cultural background. My comment above is mostly based on her analysis of the mnemonic system, which is the one I follow as well for the large plants.
In summary:
- Large plants (O'Donovan): mnemonics are practical, reminding the viewer of the use of the plant. The mentality is that of a pragmatic trader who observes the ways various products are used without imposing any for of prejudice or cultural preference.
- Small plants (Koen): The mnemonics provide a cue to Greek speakers to help them remember the local names of useful/valuable plants or their products. These mnemonics are probably older and likely go back to the Hellenistic era (when intercontinental trade bloomed).
After having read many of Diane's analyses of the large plant mnemonics, I am fairly certain that they do indeed refer to their practical use. Since it is very likely that these images were composed before the 15thC and outside of Europe, these uses can be obscure and hard to find out for modern viewers. One advantage is that many of the traditional uses for plants have been maintained in certain rural areas (see my previous post), which can be a starting point.