What are these tiny holes?

[Jorge_Stolfi]

Actually, I would argue that the wooden covers, if they did exist, were likely replaced before [1700-1900].

The top of the third column of letters/glyphs at the side of the page appears to be written to avoid a pre-existing wormhole (see MSI clipping below). So if one accepts Lisa Fagin-Davis' proposal that the marginalia was written by Marci himself, then the worm holes likely predate Marci's "notes". In addition to this, there are reasons to believe that the present cover originated sometime before ~1700 (as I have suggested with details in my recent paper on the Marci Letter). Combined, the evidence would suggest the wooden covers were earlier than Marci's handling and then replaced soon after Marci.

OK, I won't disagree with that.  

Except that I don't think one can positively identify Marci as the author of the You are not allowed to view links. Register or Login to view. marginalia.  The handwriting of that tiny and rather atypical sample may be compatible with Marci's, but cannot be characteristic of him.

All the best, --stolfi