Discussion of Voynich MS-related theories

[Koen G]

When you are ready to share it, I look forward to seeing it.

Yeah me too, the principle sounds promising.

[ReneZ]

On the basis of my theory it is clear that the key author is not well known

Mark, you may want to consider if this is really what you wanted to say.

[ReneZ]

The more recent (post-1870) history is work in progress, and it has been slowed down by the Covid restrictions.

The most important point is that I am very skeptical that the MS was ever in Villa Mondragone.
It was most probably in prince Alessandro Torlonia's Villa at Castelgandolfo, until shortly before it was agreed that an external book dealer could become involved.

The books that would be available to this dealer (Voynich) were, I think, moved out to a more neutral place.
I have a theory where that could be but the evidence is extremely thin.

Voynich seems never to have visited the Villa Mondragone, and he certainly never visited the place in Castelgandolfo.

[ReneZ]

I have a theory who sold the MS to Rudolf. This is based on data, but it is not confirmed.

Nevertheless it would be interesting to hear even if it is just speculation. Even if you are wrong it might give others an idea as to what the right answer might be, so you should not shy away of presenting an idea just because there is a possibility that it is wrong, I certainly wouldn't.

Mark, recently you wrote that you have read every word of my web site.

You know, I didn't believe it then, and I believe it even less now.

[Mark Knowles]

I have a theory who sold the MS to Rudolf. This is based on data, but it is not confirmed.

Nevertheless it would be interesting to hear even if it is just speculation. Even if you are wrong it might give others an idea as to what the right answer might be, so you should not shy away of presenting an idea just because there is a possibility that it is wrong, I certainly wouldn't.

Mark, recently you wrote that you have read every word of my web site.

You know, I didn't believe it then, and I believe it even less now.

I have read it. If I have forgotten any specific point I think that quite understandable. I have read Nick Pelling's book that doesn't mean I remember every single detail he wrote in it. I have absorbed what I found most interesting at the time as I do with anything that I am reading. If you expect me to remember every word like it is the bible then you could be disappointed. Do tell me what you think I have missed and how it is acceptable for you to accuse me of lying?

I can't say I have read the Terms and Conditions, if there are any, but I have endeavoured to read everything.

Again this is an example of the attitude problem that I am talking about. To go around directly accusing someone of lying is serious. This I find quite unacceptable. You have no business to accuse me of lying. Note I have not accused you of lying. I think it is this kind of disrespect that Antonio was alluding to. I would "advise" you to think harder before insulting people in this way. I would appreciate an apology as I am moving towards a zero tolerance policy for rudeness.

[Mark Knowles]

I would like to add one detail to a point that I made earlier. If finding out what happened to the manuscript between 1870 and 1912 leads to the discovery of missing pages or other much earlier related historic documents then it would certainly be of interest to me, but in and of its self not really just like the life of Wilfred Voynich. However I have no right to tell anyone what should interest them.

[Anton]

It seems that my suggestion above went unnoticed, so I won't hesitate to repeat it:

I beg the participants to this discussion to abstain from delving into further personal showdown.

About the later history of the MS. Yes, the main value thereof, in my opinion, is the possibility to gradually trace back its earlier history.

[ReneZ]

It is a worthy topic in its own right.

[Aga Tentakulus]

Little hints can be more important than you think. Sometimes it does not explain what it is, but certainly what it is not, supports a theory or discards it.
I have checked a lot and followed up. I am simply lazy about writing.
I am not quite finished yet, but you can understand what it is all about.
Here is an example:

  Wurm im VM_en.pdf (Size: 329.98 KB / Downloads: 91)

  Wurm im VM_de.pdf (Size: 333.26 KB / Downloads: 27)

[Mark Knowles]

It seems that my suggestion above went unnoticed, so I won't hesitate to repeat it:

I beg the participants to this discussion to abstain from delving into further personal showdown.

About the later history of the MS. Yes, the main value thereof, in my opinion, is the possibility to gradually trace back its earlier history.

From 1870 to 1420ish is a long way to trace back, especially given we have already some idea of an intervening period. I can see an advantage if it leads to the location of attached documents such as missing pages that have become separated from the manuscript otherwise it is hard to see much benefit except for personal interest/curiousity.