Abstract
Abstract Macro-level, quantitative approaches to certain scribal features such as spelling have offered much to the development of the field of manuscript studies, and yet the evidence afforded by abbreviation remains hitherto largely unexamined. This paper examines a bestiary found within a discrete section of a codex in Merton College Library in Oxford, using it as a case study to assess the value of examining features of scribal abbreviation through mixed-method analysis. Such an approach has utility in allowing us to reinforce or challenge existing hypotheses regarding the production of individual manuscript units, but it has not yet reached its full potential, and future work is required, particularly in the analysis of dated and datable manuscripts, in order to reveal how quantitative facts about scribal preferences changed over time, and how this can be used in the examination of manuscripts for which no date of creation is known.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
