Manuscript on paper of Nicolaus Cusanus, De Beryllo. The Beinecke manuscript is the oldest witness to this text
Description:
In Latin., Watermarks: similar to Briquet Fleur 6651 (a. 1452, not 1552 as printed)., Script: Written in fere-humanistic script by one scribe., Two illuminated initials, one on f. 1v, 11-line, with the arms of Nicolaus Cusanus, mauve, green, blue, and gold acanthus with yellow and white highlights, against a square gold ground, edged with brown pen; foliate serifs with extensive penwork and gold dots fill outer margin. The second initial, f. 1r, 7-line, as above, with short penwork extensions and silver dots; body of the initial incorporates the lens (beryllus). Diagrams to complement text in margins., and Binding: 16th-17th centuries (?). Sewn on three small, tawed skin, slit strap supports laced into made boards. The head edge is spattered green. Covered in light brown goatskin with corner tongues. Four fastenings of suede-like ribbons. Blind-tooled with concentric frames, the center filled in with a floral design, dotted with ring punches. All but one of the fastenings wanting.
Subject (Geographic):
Connecticut and New Haven.
Subject (Name):
Nicholas, of Cusa, Cardinal, 1401-1464.
Subject (Topic):
Knowledge, Theory of., Illumination of books and manuscripts, Medieval, Manuscripts, Medieval, and Philosophy, Medieval