Common daisy (Bruisewort, Bellis perennis) will be my placeholder for fol. 87v(1) of the Voynich Manuscript, although there are many similar plants.
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I like also Edith Sherwood's id for this plant - Primrose (Primula Vulgaris).
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The Voynich Manuscript: Daisy
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The Voynich Manuscript: Grape Vine
Common Grape Vine (Vitis vinifera) may be the plant depicted on fol. 9r of the Voynich Manuscript. In the old herbals the grape clusters were often shown disproportionally small. The example is from the British Library, 14th century Tractatus de herbis (Egerton 747 visit here ).
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The Voynich Manuscript: Cucumber
Cucumber (Cucumis sativus), presented with one leaf and one fruit, may be the plant on fol. 8r of the Voynich Manuscript. The old herbal example is from the British Library Egerton 747 (visit here ).
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The Voynich Manuscript: Squirting Cucumber
Squirting Cucumber (Ecballium elaterium) may be the plant represented on fol. 24r of the Voynich Manuscript.
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The Voynich Manuscript: Alpine Pasqueflower
Alpine Pasqueflower (Pulsatilla alpina) may be the plant represented on fol. 22v of the Voynich Manuscript. The root formation maybe meant to represent flogging device similar to cat-o-nine-tails. Similar Roman whip was used for the scourging of Jesus.
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The Voynich Manuscript: Stonecrop
Stonecrop (Sedum dasyphyllum or Sedum spirium) may be the plant on fol. 21v of the Voynich Manuscript. Ethel Voynich suggested both Sedum and Crassula for this page in 1930s.
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The Voynich Manuscript: Bugloss
Bugloss (Anchusa variegata) may be the plant represented on fol. 53r of the Voynich Manuscript. Bugloss was considered effective treatment against tapeworm, which may explain the root of the plant in the drawing.
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The Voynich Manuscript: Fringed Campion
Fringed Campion (Silene fimbrata) may be the plant on fol. 33r of the Voynich Manuscript.
The root contains drawing of two faces - hair (fringe?, hair-line) included. The word 'fringe' is 14th century French from Latin 'frimbria' - fibers,threads,fringe. The Fringed Campion sure has the bangs and its leaves are closer to heart-shape than those of the Bladder Campion (previous id by Edith Sherwood).
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The root contains drawing of two faces - hair (fringe?, hair-line) included. The word 'fringe' is 14th century French from Latin 'frimbria' - fibers,threads,fringe. The Fringed Campion sure has the bangs and its leaves are closer to heart-shape than those of the Bladder Campion (previous id by Edith Sherwood).
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The Voynich Manuscript: Willowherb
Willowherb (Epilobium alpestre) will be my placeholder for plant id on fol. 53v of the Voynich Manuscript.
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The Voynich Manuscript: Fishtail Palm
The Fishtail Palm or Wine Palm (Caryota urens) may be the plant represented on fol. 35r. Based on the 'fishtail' root of the plant of the drawing, the jagged leaves and the overall shape of a cup (wine cup?). The fishtail palm is source for high quality jaggery (traditional uncentrifuged brown sugar). It is also used to produce palm wine and palm beer.
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The Voynich Manuscript: Plant ID List
This will be permanent post with my interpretation of the plants drawing in the Voynich Manuscript. It is subjective speculation since the author's intentions are unknown. The list includes my ids and proposals made by other researchers. I worked mostly with the lists by Ethel Voynich/Theodore Petersen (visit here), Edith Sherwood,PhD (visit here), Steve D (visit here) and Dana Scott on the VMs list archives (visit here). The post will be updatedas new proposals come in.Click on the image to enlarge.
Fol. 1v - St. John's Wort (Hypericum) - id by Ellie Velinska
Based on Ypericon in the British Library Sloane 4016 here and Androsaimom in the Morgan Library Dioscorides MS M.652 here and here. The root may represent devil's foot.
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Fol. 1v - Deadly Nightshade (Atropa Belladonna) - id by Ethel Voynich/Theodore Petersen
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Fol. 2r - Spotted Knapweed (Centaurea) - id by Edith Sherwood
I used Centaurea maculosa in the image. The root may represent capital of ionic column - the plant was used according to the mythology to cure the foot of the Centaur Chiron.
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Fol. 2v - Water Lily (Nymphoides) - id by Ethel Voynich
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Fol. 3r - Joseph's Coat (Amaranthus tricolor) - id by Steve D
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Fol. 4r - Bog Rosemary (Andromeda polifolia var polifolia) - id by Ellie Velinska
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Fol. 4r - Flax (Linum usitatissimum) - id by Steve D
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Fol. 4v - Clematis - id by Diane O'Donovan, Clematis integrifolia - id by Steve D
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Fol. 5r - Herb Paris - id by Ethel Voynich
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Fol. 5v - Mallow (Malva sylvestris) - id by Edith Sherwood
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Fol. 6r - Philodendron - id by Dana Scott
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Fol. 6r -Wild Mignonette (Reseda lutea) - id by Ellie Velinska
The roots of this plant were used to make yellow dye called Weld since ancient times, which may explain the yellow color of the root of the VMs drawing.
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Fol. 6v - Castor oil plant (Ricinus communis) - id by Ethel Voynich/Theodore Petersen
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Fol. 7r - Goat's Beard (Geropogon hybridus) - id by Steve D
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Fol. 7v -Hairy Alpenrose (Rhododendron hirsutum) - id by Ellie Velinska
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Fol 8r - Cucumber (Cucumis sativus) - id by Ellie Velinska
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Fol. 8v - Red Campion (Silene dioica) - id by Theodore Petersen
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Fol. 9r - Common Grape Vine (Vitis vinifera) - id by Ellie Velinska
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Fol. 9v -Wild Pansy (Viola Tricolor) - id by Ethel Voynich/Theodore Petersen
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Fol. 10r - Common Cornflower (Centaurea cyanus) - id by Ellie Velinska
The mountain cornflower (Centaurea montana) has wider leaves than the common one - so it may have been 'the model' for the drawing. The Cornflower was used to treat conjunctivitis and as wash for tired eyes. I believe the root formations are pretty good anatomical representations of eyeballs.
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Fol. 10v - Twinflower (Linnaea borealis) - id by Edith Sherwood
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Fol. 11v - Turmeric (Curcuma longa) - id by Edith Sherwood
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Fol. 13r - Banana (Musa) - id by Edith Sherwood
The plant is fit into overall shape of Fleur-de-lis.
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Fol. 13v - Honeysuckle - id by Edith Sherwood
I used goat-leaved honeysuckle (Lonicera caprifolium) for the illustration based on caprifollium - British Library Egerton 747 (visit here) .
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Fol. 14v - Wood Betony (Stachys) - id by Edith Sherwood
For illustration I used Stachys officinalis (id by Steve D)
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Fol. 15r - Carline Thistle (Carlina Vulgaris) - id by Ellie Velinska
According to the story in Giovanni Cadamosto 16th century herbal (British Library, Harley 3736 here) an angel advised Charlemagne to eat the thistle so his body can be purged of poison. The six leaves in the VMs drawing end with symbols that somewhat remind of the six 'towers' in the center of the Nine-rosette page.
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Fol. 15v - Pinkroot (Arapabaca, Spigelia anthelmia) - Ruby Novačna
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Fol. 16r - Hemp (Cannabis sativa) - id by Theodore Petersen
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Fol. 16v - Eringium - Sea Holly - id by Ethel Voynich
I used Eryngium alpinum - Alpine Sea Holly - for the illustration because the cut of the flower and the leaves match better the VMs drawing, in my opinion.
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Fol. 16v - Black Knapweed (Jacea Nigra) - id by Ellie Velinska
Based on BNF Latin 9474 ( here ) - the picture of Jacea Nigra is labeled Flamette. The flame-name today belongs to totally different flower, but in late 15th-early 16th century France it was associated apparently with Jacea.
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Fol. 17r - Wild Tarragon/Estragon (Artemisia dracunculus) - id by Ellie Velinska
Tarragon has mild menstruation inducing properties and was taken in the old times in case of late period. This may explain the similarity between the details in the roots of the plant on the drawing and anatomy of the female reproductive organs.
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Fol. 17v - Black Bryony (Tamus, Dioscorea communis) - id by Ethel Voynich/Theodore Petersen
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Fol. 18r - Calendula officinalis - id by Ethel Voynich/ O'Neill/ Petersen
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Fol. 18v - Edelweiss (Leontopodium, Lion's Paw) - id by Ellie Velinska
Based on the 10th century Pseudo-Apuleius French manuscript in the National Library of Netherlands here . Edelweiss is also hard to recognize in the 13-14th century Italian manuscript (Egerton 747, British Library here ).
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Fol. 19r - Jacob's Ladder (Polemonium caeruleum) - id by Edith Sherwood
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Fol. 19v - Cleavers (Galium aparine) - id by Ellie Velinska
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Fol. 20r - Bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus) - id by Ellie Velinska
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Fol. 21r - Common Knotgrass (Polygonum aviculare) - id by Ellie Velinska
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Fol. 21v - Stonecrop (Sedum dasyphyllum or Sedum spirium) - id by Ethel Voynich
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Fol. 22r - Sedum (Sedum Maximum) - id by Ethel Voynich
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Fol. 22v - Alpine Pasqueflower (Pulsatilla alpina) - id by Ellie Velinska
The root formation maybe meant to represent flogging device similar to cat-o-nine-tails. Similar Roman whip was used for the scourging of Jesus.The plant is fit into overall shape of tulip.
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Fol. 23r - Shrubby Cinquefoil (Dasiphora fruticosa) - id by Ellie Velinska
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Fol. 23v - Borage (Borago officinalis) - id by Edith Sherwood
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Fol. 24r - White Campion (Silene latifolia alba) - id by Dana Scott
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Steve D suggested Silene maritima with its filaments forming dots on the flower
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Fol. 24r - Squirting Cucumber (Ecballium elaterium) - id by Ellie Velinska
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Fol. 25r - Bdellium (Commiphora wightii) - id by Ellie Velinska
Other proposals for this VMs plant are Nettle (Ethel Voynich) and Coffea Arabica (Steve D.)
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Fol. 26r - Saw-leaved speedwell (Veronica austriaca) - id by Ellie Velinska
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Fol. 27v -Traveler's Joy (Clematis Vitalba) - id by Ellie Velinska
The root shape has some similarities to rope making tools. According to Johnson, Magnus, 2001, The Genus Clematis book the Traveler's Joy was used in Switzerland for rope making since the Stone Age. It is still reflected in the common names of the plant in Bavaria and Austria.
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Fol. 28r - Jack-in-the-pulpit (Arisaema triphyllum) - id by Ellie Velinska
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Fol. 28v - Corylus Colurna (Turkish hazel) - id by Ellie Velinska
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Fol. 29v - Roman coriander (Nigella sativa) - id by Edith Sherwood
According to Dioscorides the seeds mixed with vinegar are cure for crocodile and dog-bites. There is possibility that the root of the plant on the drawing represents crocodile skull - often present in medieval wunderkammer.
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Fol. 30v - Nettle (Urtica membranacea) - id by Steve D
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Fol. 31v - Henbane (Hyoscyamus niger) - id by Ellie Velinska
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Fol. 32r - Lantana camara (Spanish Flag) - id by Dana Scott
The root seems to show striped flag (I used the Royal Banner of Aragon as example of striped flag with Lantana camara colors).
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Fol. 32v -The Ivy-leaved Bellflower (Wahlenbergia hederacea) - id by Ellie Velinska
The root reminds of peacock.
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Fol. 33r - Fringed Campion (Silene fimbrata) - id by Ellie Velinska
The root contains drawing of two faces - hair (fringe?, hair-line) included. The word 'fringe' is 14th century French from Latin 'frimbria' - fibers,threads,fringe.
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Fol. 33v - Pincushion Flower (Scabiosa) - id by Ethel Voynich/Theodore Petersen
The roots may represent pincushions.
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Fol. 34r - Great Masterwort (Astrantia major/minor) - id by Ellie Velinska
The plant was used to treat the bite of a rabid dog, which may explain the animal in the root.
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Fol. 34v - Money plant (Lunaria annua) - id by Edith Sherwood
The fruits of the plant may represent coins. The root may represent the wolf and the dog from the Moon Tarot card.
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Fol. 35r - Fishtail Palm (Caryota urens) - id by Ellie Velinska
Based on the 'fishtail' root of the plant of the drawing, the jagged leaves and the overall shape of a cup (wine cup?). The fishtail palm is source for high quality jaggery (traditional uncentrifuged brown sugar). It is also used to produce palm wine and palm beer.
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Fol. 35v - Oak /Ivy combination - id by Rene Zandbergen
Based on Manfredus de Monte Imperiali (BNF Latin 6823, visit here )
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Fol. 36r - Geranium - id by Ethel Voynich, Zdravetz (Geranium macrorrhizum) - id by Steve D
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Fol. 36v - Alpine Lady's Mantle (Alchemilla Alpina) - id by Ellie Velinska
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Fol. 37r - Strawberry Blite (Chenopodium capitatum) - id by Ellie Velinska
Diane O'Donnovan places the Strawberry Blite on fol. 96v based on the leaf shape.
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Fol. 38 r - Torch Ginger (Etlingera elatior) - id by Ellie Velinska
The Torch Ginger is east Asian flower. There are dots inside each 'drop' which reminds of the Yin/Yang symbol.
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Fol. 39r - Dogtooth violet (Erythronium dens-canis) - id by Steve D
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Fol. 40v - Celosia Cristata (Cockscomb) - id by Ellie Velinska
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Fol. 41r - Dill (Anethum Graveolens) - id by Ellie Velinska
Ethel Voynich saw Carduus thistle here, Edith Sherwood chose Wild Marjoram and Steve D. came up with Common Agrimony. So it looks like this one is really tough for folks to agree on.
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Fol. 41v - Arctic sweet coltsfoot (Petasites frigidus v. palmatus) - id by Steve D.
The detail above the root appears to be antlers of male European roe deer and the rest of the root may be representing deer's feet. So the common name at the time of the artist may have been not coltsfoot but something like 'bucksfoot'.
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Fol. 42r - Lord-and-ladies (Arum Italicum) - id by Steve D,
Wild Strawberry (Fragaria vesca) - id by Ellie Velinska
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Fol. 43v - Wild Teasel (Dipsacus Fullonium) - id by Ellie Velinska
The wild teasel has formation of sessile leaves in which water is trapped. In the old times it was used for eyewash.
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Fol. 46v - Costmary (Tanacetum balsamita) - id by Ellie Velinska
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Fol. 50v - Round-headed Rampion (Phyteuma globulariifolium) - id by Ellie Velinska
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Fol. 52v - Turnsole (Heliotropium europaeum) - id by Ellie Velinska
Based on Pseudo-Apuleius tradition.
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Fol. 53r - Bugloss (Anchusa variegata) - id by Ellie Velinska
Bugloss was considered effective treatment for tapeworm, which may explain the root.
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Fol. 53v - Willowherb (Epilobium alpestre) - id by Ellie Velinska
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Fol. 55r - Dark Columbine (Aquilegia atrata) - id by Ellie Velinska
The Voynich manuscript 'Ghost Flower' can be observed if you zoom in the first bloom from left to right on fol. 55r. It looks like the artist started drawing one flower and ended up with a weird symbol in its place. So when looking for real plant to match the drawing on fol 55r one has to wonder, if the plant should look more like the final symbol or like the ghost symbol beneath it.
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This type of flower symbols in the VMs may represent the flower before full bloom. Based on the 'ghost flower' and the leaves my personal favorite plant ID for fol. 55r is the Dark Columbine (Aquilegia atrata) which for now will be my placeholder for this page.
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Fol. 55v - Wild Leek - (Allium ursinum) - id by Ellie Velinska
The plant is favorite of the wild boar and a wild pig may be hidden in the roots of the drawing on this page. Nick Pelling saw the root as elephant in 2003 and during discussion on the VMs list in 2013 the Elephant leek was suggested as id by few researchers independently.
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Fol. 65r - Comarum Palustre (Marsh Cinquefoil) - id by Ellie Velinska
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Fol. 65 v - Venus' Comb (Scandix pecten-veneris) - id by Ellie Velinska
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Fol. 87v (1) - Common daisy (Bruisewort, Bellis perennis) - id by Ellie Velinska
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Fol. 87v (1) - Primrose (Primula Vulgaris) - id by Edith Sherwood
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Fol. 87v (2) - Mastic shrub (Pistacia lentiscus)- id by Ellie Velinska
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Fol. 89v (3) Frankincense (Boswellia sacra) - id by Ellie Velinska
The base of the plant in the drawing may be an object in the style of the VMs jars. It could be that the plant was potted or it could be incense burner (or anything else, of course). Frankincense was used to treat scorpion bites according to some old recipes.
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Fol. 90v - Rue (Ruta Chalapensis) - id by Ellie Velinska
German common names for Rue refer to the plant as Raute (rhombus) which may explain the edgy flower petals. Rue is repellant for cats (they hate the smell of it) which may explain the root.
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Fol. 93r -The Dwarf Everlast (Helichrisum arenarium, Immortelle) - id by Ellie Velinska
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Fol. 94v (3) - Narcissus tazetta - id by Steve D
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Fol. 95r - European Baneberry (Actaea spicata) - id by Ellie Velinska
Based on the yellow dot detail on the berry I assume the berries are black - just not colored.
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Fol. 95v - Fumaria Officinalis - id by Ellie Velinska
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Fol. 96v Good King Henry's Chenopodium - id by Dana Scott
Diane O'Donovan also chose Chenopodiom in her post here - the Strawberry Blite version of the plant.
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Fol. 1v - St. John's Wort (Hypericum) - id by Ellie Velinska
Based on Ypericon in the British Library Sloane 4016 here and Androsaimom in the Morgan Library Dioscorides MS M.652 here and here. The root may represent devil's foot.
Fol. 1v - Deadly Nightshade (Atropa Belladonna) - id by Ethel Voynich/Theodore Petersen
Fol. 2r - Spotted Knapweed (Centaurea) - id by Edith Sherwood
I used Centaurea maculosa in the image. The root may represent capital of ionic column - the plant was used according to the mythology to cure the foot of the Centaur Chiron.
Fol. 2v - Water Lily (Nymphoides) - id by Ethel Voynich
Fol. 3r - Joseph's Coat (Amaranthus tricolor) - id by Steve D
Fol. 4r - Bog Rosemary (Andromeda polifolia var polifolia) - id by Ellie Velinska
Fol. 4r - Flax (Linum usitatissimum) - id by Steve D
Fol. 4v - Clematis - id by Diane O'Donovan, Clematis integrifolia - id by Steve D
Fol. 5r - Herb Paris - id by Ethel Voynich
Fol. 5v - Mallow (Malva sylvestris) - id by Edith Sherwood
Fol. 6r - Philodendron - id by Dana Scott
Fol. 6r -Wild Mignonette (Reseda lutea) - id by Ellie Velinska
The roots of this plant were used to make yellow dye called Weld since ancient times, which may explain the yellow color of the root of the VMs drawing.
Fol. 6v - Castor oil plant (Ricinus communis) - id by Ethel Voynich/Theodore Petersen
Fol. 7r - Goat's Beard (Geropogon hybridus) - id by Steve D
Fol. 7v -Hairy Alpenrose (Rhododendron hirsutum) - id by Ellie Velinska
Fol 8r - Cucumber (Cucumis sativus) - id by Ellie Velinska
Fol. 8v - Red Campion (Silene dioica) - id by Theodore Petersen
Fol. 9r - Common Grape Vine (Vitis vinifera) - id by Ellie Velinska
Fol. 9v -Wild Pansy (Viola Tricolor) - id by Ethel Voynich/Theodore Petersen
Fol. 10r - Common Cornflower (Centaurea cyanus) - id by Ellie Velinska
The mountain cornflower (Centaurea montana) has wider leaves than the common one - so it may have been 'the model' for the drawing. The Cornflower was used to treat conjunctivitis and as wash for tired eyes. I believe the root formations are pretty good anatomical representations of eyeballs.
Fol. 10v - Twinflower (Linnaea borealis) - id by Edith Sherwood
Fol. 11v - Turmeric (Curcuma longa) - id by Edith Sherwood
Fol. 13r - Banana (Musa) - id by Edith Sherwood
The plant is fit into overall shape of Fleur-de-lis.
Fol. 13v - Honeysuckle - id by Edith Sherwood
I used goat-leaved honeysuckle (Lonicera caprifolium) for the illustration based on caprifollium - British Library Egerton 747 (visit here) .
Fol. 14v - Wood Betony (Stachys) - id by Edith Sherwood
For illustration I used Stachys officinalis (id by Steve D)
Fol. 15r - Carline Thistle (Carlina Vulgaris) - id by Ellie Velinska
According to the story in Giovanni Cadamosto 16th century herbal (British Library, Harley 3736 here) an angel advised Charlemagne to eat the thistle so his body can be purged of poison. The six leaves in the VMs drawing end with symbols that somewhat remind of the six 'towers' in the center of the Nine-rosette page.
Fol. 15v - Pinkroot (Arapabaca, Spigelia anthelmia) - Ruby Novačna
Fol. 16r - Hemp (Cannabis sativa) - id by Theodore Petersen
Fol. 16v - Eringium - Sea Holly - id by Ethel Voynich
I used Eryngium alpinum - Alpine Sea Holly - for the illustration because the cut of the flower and the leaves match better the VMs drawing, in my opinion.
Fol. 16v - Black Knapweed (Jacea Nigra) - id by Ellie Velinska
Based on BNF Latin 9474 ( here ) - the picture of Jacea Nigra is labeled Flamette. The flame-name today belongs to totally different flower, but in late 15th-early 16th century France it was associated apparently with Jacea.
Fol. 17r - Wild Tarragon/Estragon (Artemisia dracunculus) - id by Ellie Velinska
Tarragon has mild menstruation inducing properties and was taken in the old times in case of late period. This may explain the similarity between the details in the roots of the plant on the drawing and anatomy of the female reproductive organs.
Fol. 17v - Black Bryony (Tamus, Dioscorea communis) - id by Ethel Voynich/Theodore Petersen
Fol. 18r - Calendula officinalis - id by Ethel Voynich/ O'Neill/ Petersen
Fol. 18v - Edelweiss (Leontopodium, Lion's Paw) - id by Ellie Velinska
Based on the 10th century Pseudo-Apuleius French manuscript in the National Library of Netherlands here . Edelweiss is also hard to recognize in the 13-14th century Italian manuscript (Egerton 747, British Library here ).
Fol. 19r - Jacob's Ladder (Polemonium caeruleum) - id by Edith Sherwood
Fol. 19v - Cleavers (Galium aparine) - id by Ellie Velinska
Fol. 20r - Bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus) - id by Ellie Velinska
Fol. 21r - Common Knotgrass (Polygonum aviculare) - id by Ellie Velinska
Fol. 21v - Stonecrop (Sedum dasyphyllum or Sedum spirium) - id by Ethel Voynich
Fol. 22r - Sedum (Sedum Maximum) - id by Ethel Voynich
Fol. 22v - Alpine Pasqueflower (Pulsatilla alpina) - id by Ellie Velinska
The root formation maybe meant to represent flogging device similar to cat-o-nine-tails. Similar Roman whip was used for the scourging of Jesus.The plant is fit into overall shape of tulip.
Fol. 23r - Shrubby Cinquefoil (Dasiphora fruticosa) - id by Ellie Velinska
Fol. 23v - Borage (Borago officinalis) - id by Edith Sherwood
Fol. 24r - White Campion (Silene latifolia alba) - id by Dana Scott
Fol. 24r - Squirting Cucumber (Ecballium elaterium) - id by Ellie Velinska
Fol. 25r - Bdellium (Commiphora wightii) - id by Ellie Velinska
Other proposals for this VMs plant are Nettle (Ethel Voynich) and Coffea Arabica (Steve D.)
Fol. 26r - Saw-leaved speedwell (Veronica austriaca) - id by Ellie Velinska
Fol. 27v -Traveler's Joy (Clematis Vitalba) - id by Ellie Velinska
The root shape has some similarities to rope making tools. According to Johnson, Magnus, 2001, The Genus Clematis book the Traveler's Joy was used in Switzerland for rope making since the Stone Age. It is still reflected in the common names of the plant in Bavaria and Austria.
Fol. 28r - Jack-in-the-pulpit (Arisaema triphyllum) - id by Ellie Velinska
Fol. 28v - Corylus Colurna (Turkish hazel) - id by Ellie Velinska
Fol. 29v - Roman coriander (Nigella sativa) - id by Edith Sherwood
According to Dioscorides the seeds mixed with vinegar are cure for crocodile and dog-bites. There is possibility that the root of the plant on the drawing represents crocodile skull - often present in medieval wunderkammer.
Fol. 30v - Nettle (Urtica membranacea) - id by Steve D
Fol. 31v - Henbane (Hyoscyamus niger) - id by Ellie Velinska
Fol. 32r - Lantana camara (Spanish Flag) - id by Dana Scott
The root seems to show striped flag (I used the Royal Banner of Aragon as example of striped flag with Lantana camara colors).
Fol. 32v -The Ivy-leaved Bellflower (Wahlenbergia hederacea) - id by Ellie Velinska
The root reminds of peacock.
Fol. 33r - Fringed Campion (Silene fimbrata) - id by Ellie Velinska
The root contains drawing of two faces - hair (fringe?, hair-line) included. The word 'fringe' is 14th century French from Latin 'frimbria' - fibers,threads,fringe.
Fol. 33v - Pincushion Flower (Scabiosa) - id by Ethel Voynich/Theodore Petersen
The roots may represent pincushions.
Fol. 34r - Great Masterwort (Astrantia major/minor) - id by Ellie Velinska
The plant was used to treat the bite of a rabid dog, which may explain the animal in the root.
Fol. 34v - Money plant (Lunaria annua) - id by Edith Sherwood
The fruits of the plant may represent coins. The root may represent the wolf and the dog from the Moon Tarot card.
Fol. 35r - Fishtail Palm (Caryota urens) - id by Ellie Velinska
Based on the 'fishtail' root of the plant of the drawing, the jagged leaves and the overall shape of a cup (wine cup?). The fishtail palm is source for high quality jaggery (traditional uncentrifuged brown sugar). It is also used to produce palm wine and palm beer.
Fol. 35v - Oak /Ivy combination - id by Rene Zandbergen
Based on Manfredus de Monte Imperiali (BNF Latin 6823, visit here )
Fol. 36r - Geranium - id by Ethel Voynich, Zdravetz (Geranium macrorrhizum) - id by Steve D
Fol. 36v - Alpine Lady's Mantle (Alchemilla Alpina) - id by Ellie Velinska
Fol. 37r - Strawberry Blite (Chenopodium capitatum) - id by Ellie Velinska
Diane O'Donnovan places the Strawberry Blite on fol. 96v based on the leaf shape.
Fol. 38 r - Torch Ginger (Etlingera elatior) - id by Ellie Velinska
The Torch Ginger is east Asian flower. There are dots inside each 'drop' which reminds of the Yin/Yang symbol.
Fol. 39r - Dogtooth violet (Erythronium dens-canis) - id by Steve D
Fol. 40v - Celosia Cristata (Cockscomb) - id by Ellie Velinska
Fol. 41r - Dill (Anethum Graveolens) - id by Ellie Velinska
Ethel Voynich saw Carduus thistle here, Edith Sherwood chose Wild Marjoram and Steve D. came up with Common Agrimony. So it looks like this one is really tough for folks to agree on.
Fol. 41v - Arctic sweet coltsfoot (Petasites frigidus v. palmatus) - id by Steve D.
The detail above the root appears to be antlers of male European roe deer and the rest of the root may be representing deer's feet. So the common name at the time of the artist may have been not coltsfoot but something like 'bucksfoot'.
Fol. 42r - Lord-and-ladies (Arum Italicum) - id by Steve D,
Wild Strawberry (Fragaria vesca) - id by Ellie Velinska
Fol. 43v - Wild Teasel (Dipsacus Fullonium) - id by Ellie Velinska
The wild teasel has formation of sessile leaves in which water is trapped. In the old times it was used for eyewash.
Fol. 46v - Costmary (Tanacetum balsamita) - id by Ellie Velinska
Fol. 50v - Round-headed Rampion (Phyteuma globulariifolium) - id by Ellie Velinska
Fol. 52v - Turnsole (Heliotropium europaeum) - id by Ellie Velinska
Based on Pseudo-Apuleius tradition.
Fol. 53r - Bugloss (Anchusa variegata) - id by Ellie Velinska
Bugloss was considered effective treatment for tapeworm, which may explain the root.
Fol. 53v - Willowherb (Epilobium alpestre) - id by Ellie Velinska
Fol. 55r - Dark Columbine (Aquilegia atrata) - id by Ellie Velinska
The Voynich manuscript 'Ghost Flower' can be observed if you zoom in the first bloom from left to right on fol. 55r. It looks like the artist started drawing one flower and ended up with a weird symbol in its place. So when looking for real plant to match the drawing on fol 55r one has to wonder, if the plant should look more like the final symbol or like the ghost symbol beneath it.
This type of flower symbols in the VMs may represent the flower before full bloom. Based on the 'ghost flower' and the leaves my personal favorite plant ID for fol. 55r is the Dark Columbine (Aquilegia atrata) which for now will be my placeholder for this page.
Fol. 55v - Wild Leek - (Allium ursinum) - id by Ellie Velinska
The plant is favorite of the wild boar and a wild pig may be hidden in the roots of the drawing on this page. Nick Pelling saw the root as elephant in 2003 and during discussion on the VMs list in 2013 the Elephant leek was suggested as id by few researchers independently.
Fol. 65r - Comarum Palustre (Marsh Cinquefoil) - id by Ellie Velinska
Fol. 65 v - Venus' Comb (Scandix pecten-veneris) - id by Ellie Velinska
Fol. 87v (1) - Common daisy (Bruisewort, Bellis perennis) - id by Ellie Velinska
Fol. 87v (1) - Primrose (Primula Vulgaris) - id by Edith Sherwood
Fol. 87v (2) - Mastic shrub (Pistacia lentiscus)- id by Ellie Velinska
Fol. 89v (3) Frankincense (Boswellia sacra) - id by Ellie Velinska
The base of the plant in the drawing may be an object in the style of the VMs jars. It could be that the plant was potted or it could be incense burner (or anything else, of course). Frankincense was used to treat scorpion bites according to some old recipes.
Fol. 90v - Rue (Ruta Chalapensis) - id by Ellie Velinska
German common names for Rue refer to the plant as Raute (rhombus) which may explain the edgy flower petals. Rue is repellant for cats (they hate the smell of it) which may explain the root.
Fol. 93r -The Dwarf Everlast (Helichrisum arenarium, Immortelle) - id by Ellie Velinska
Fol. 94v (3) - Narcissus tazetta - id by Steve D
Fol. 95r - European Baneberry (Actaea spicata) - id by Ellie Velinska
Based on the yellow dot detail on the berry I assume the berries are black - just not colored.
Fol. 95v - Fumaria Officinalis - id by Ellie Velinska
Fol. 96v Good King Henry's Chenopodium - id by Dana Scott
Diane O'Donovan also chose Chenopodiom in her post here - the Strawberry Blite version of the plant.
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The Voynich Manuscript: Rue
Rue (Ruta Chalapensis) may be a possibility for plant id for fol. 90v of the Voynich manuscript. German common names for Rue refer to the plant as Raute (rhombus) which may explain the edgy flower petals. Rue is repellant for cats (they hate the smell of it) which may explain the root.
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The Voynich Manuscript: Jasmine
Jasmine (Jasminum angustifolium) may be the flower represented on fol. 28v. The long hairy calyx may be the meaning of the green background of the flower. The women in South Asia decorate their hair with jasmine. I believe the root in the drawing represents hair.
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The Voynich Manuscript: Yellow Star-Thistle
Yellow star-thisle (Centaurea solstitialis) will be my placeholder for plant-id on fol. 42v of the Voynich manuscript.
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The Voynich Manuscript: Persimmon and Noah's Ark
The drawing on fol. 43r of the Voynich manuscript may be composed to represent Noah's ark as we see it in medieval pictures - boat with a house. The ebony tree is one of the main suspects for gopher wood - the material of Noah's ark. The VMs drawing may be meant for ebony tree forest judging by the blue tint of the stems/trunks. Some ebony trees have edible fruits used in traditional medicine - the date-plum (Persimmon, Diospyros lotus) for example. Whatever the plant on fol. 43r is - it may be connected somehow to the story of Noah's ark.
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The Voynich Manuscript: Fishbone Thistle
Fishbone thistle (Ptilostemon casabonae) may be the plant on fol. 29r of the Voynich manuscript.
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Burdock (Arctium lappa) was proposed by Ethel Voynich/Theodore Petersen for this page, which is also good possibility, in my opinion.
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The Voynich Manuscript: the Castle next to the Volcano
Voynich manuscript expert Richard SantaColoma started interesting discussion at the VMs list about the castles pictures on the 9-rosette. He shows examples of castles that are completely made-up with no connection to real structures (all of them in forged manuscripts). I agree with him that the Voynich manuscript being a forgery is a possibility (especially having in mind the period during which it was discovered in modern times). However, it is irresistible fun to browse through pictures of European medieval castles looking for clues (much like looking at wild flowers - it just makes me happy).
So here comes the castle of day.
Many drawing in the VMs have details that could be just mnemonic reminders for the author. So I thought - what if the 'volcano' on the 9-rosette is a clue for volcano - but not necessary fuming one.
The castle on the picture is actually the facade of Maria Laach Abbey (established in 12th century), which is situated on the banks of Laacher See in Germany. The See is in fact a volcanic crater lake. So there you have it - castle next to volcano.
The comparison is just for fun. The ghibelline merlons in the 9-rossette scream more 'Italy' than 'Germany' (which is ironic since they are supposed to demonstrate allegiance to the Emperor), the sketches of the castles may not be based on real buildings, and inch distance between drawings on the 9-rosette may be hundreds of miles on the map.
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So here comes the castle of day.
Many drawing in the VMs have details that could be just mnemonic reminders for the author. So I thought - what if the 'volcano' on the 9-rosette is a clue for volcano - but not necessary fuming one.
The castle on the picture is actually the facade of Maria Laach Abbey (established in 12th century), which is situated on the banks of Laacher See in Germany. The See is in fact a volcanic crater lake. So there you have it - castle next to volcano.
The comparison is just for fun. The ghibelline merlons in the 9-rossette scream more 'Italy' than 'Germany' (which is ironic since they are supposed to demonstrate allegiance to the Emperor), the sketches of the castles may not be based on real buildings, and inch distance between drawings on the 9-rosette may be hundreds of miles on the map.
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The Voynich Manuscript: the Blonde Saints
Harley MS 2332 is a small illustrated physician almanac from early 15th century England (visit here). While browsing through the images I noticed that all saints and kings from the creation of the world to the author's times are depicted with blonde hair, which is not probable to be true. Their hairdos and the symbols they are represented with reminded me of the people on fol. 85v (1) of the Voynich Manuscript, so below I will share some subjective speculations regarding these VMs images.
Let's start with the person on fol. 85v that is holding an object consisting of sphere,cylinder and cone.
Richard SantaColoma has some interesting thoughts about it (read here). My impression is that the object may represent perfume jar as often depicted in images of Maria Magdalena.
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It is hard to say if the person in the VMs is male or female. The physician almanac Harley 2332 shows a male that is holding an object which is assigned in the calendar to Maria Magdalena, so just because the person is holding the jar doesn't mean it is meant to represent the saint. The jar is associated with Maria Magdalena because she was one of the myrrhbearers who witnessed the Resurrection. She is also believed by some to be the woman who poured bottle of perfume over Jesus thus anointing him. The person in the VMs has a blue spot on the forehead which may be just hair accessory. However, in combination with perfume bottle it may represent the person being anointed.
Going clockwise on fol. 85v we see a person holding an object consisting of rings. In case the person is a male the rings may represent the chain of Saint Leonard (as shown in Harley 2332) - he is patron of the prisoners and the women in labor. In case the person is female the image may represent Our Lady of the Rosary - based on the legend in which the Virgin Mary appears in front of Saint Dominic and gives him a rosary. The VMs person may be holding and giving away rosaries.
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Richard SantaColoma found engraving with a garland girl (see here).
Going clockwise there is a person holding a 'banana'. For the record, I don't believe it is really a banana. I mention this because for a long time I was wondering why in the world the plant on fol. 13r which was id-d by Edith Sherwood as banana plant is shaped like fleur de lis. So associating the object on fol. 85v with banana helped me imagine how the 15th century person peeled a banana and saw in the shape sign from the Holy Mother, which gave me peace of mind about the banana plant id.
The banana-like object on fol. 85v maybe fleur de lis variation. The physician almanac Harley 2332 shows couple of kings holding similar objects. I found similar shape in the hand of Saint Margaret, but it is more exception than rule - she is usually depicted holding a cross (which according to the legend saved her from the dragon).
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The last person - on top of the rosette - seems to have a dot in the base of his/her finger. Richard SantaColoma suggested it may be a ring (jewelry). Based on Harley 2332 the person may be Saint Francis with badly placed stigmata. In case it is a woman with a ring - it may be Saint Cathrine with the ring being the symbol of her 'Mystical Marriage with Jesus'.
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Back to the real world. It is impossible to identify the creatures on fol. 85v (1) without knowing the author's intent. The above is just speculation.
Let's start with the person on fol. 85v that is holding an object consisting of sphere,cylinder and cone.
Richard SantaColoma has some interesting thoughts about it (read here). My impression is that the object may represent perfume jar as often depicted in images of Maria Magdalena.
It is hard to say if the person in the VMs is male or female. The physician almanac Harley 2332 shows a male that is holding an object which is assigned in the calendar to Maria Magdalena, so just because the person is holding the jar doesn't mean it is meant to represent the saint. The jar is associated with Maria Magdalena because she was one of the myrrhbearers who witnessed the Resurrection. She is also believed by some to be the woman who poured bottle of perfume over Jesus thus anointing him. The person in the VMs has a blue spot on the forehead which may be just hair accessory. However, in combination with perfume bottle it may represent the person being anointed.
Going clockwise on fol. 85v we see a person holding an object consisting of rings. In case the person is a male the rings may represent the chain of Saint Leonard (as shown in Harley 2332) - he is patron of the prisoners and the women in labor. In case the person is female the image may represent Our Lady of the Rosary - based on the legend in which the Virgin Mary appears in front of Saint Dominic and gives him a rosary. The VMs person may be holding and giving away rosaries.
Richard SantaColoma found engraving with a garland girl (see here).
Going clockwise there is a person holding a 'banana'. For the record, I don't believe it is really a banana. I mention this because for a long time I was wondering why in the world the plant on fol. 13r which was id-d by Edith Sherwood as banana plant is shaped like fleur de lis. So associating the object on fol. 85v with banana helped me imagine how the 15th century person peeled a banana and saw in the shape sign from the Holy Mother, which gave me peace of mind about the banana plant id.
The banana-like object on fol. 85v maybe fleur de lis variation. The physician almanac Harley 2332 shows couple of kings holding similar objects. I found similar shape in the hand of Saint Margaret, but it is more exception than rule - she is usually depicted holding a cross (which according to the legend saved her from the dragon).
The last person - on top of the rosette - seems to have a dot in the base of his/her finger. Richard SantaColoma suggested it may be a ring (jewelry). Based on Harley 2332 the person may be Saint Francis with badly placed stigmata. In case it is a woman with a ring - it may be Saint Cathrine with the ring being the symbol of her 'Mystical Marriage with Jesus'.
Back to the real world. It is impossible to identify the creatures on fol. 85v (1) without knowing the author's intent. The above is just speculation.
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The Voynich Manuscript: La Cité de Dieu
Augustine, La Cité de Dieu, The Hague, MMW, 10 A 11 (visit here) is a French manuscript, illuminated in Paris between 1475-1480. Few things in it may be connected to the Voynich Manuscript.
First, fol. 435v of the Hague, MMW 10 A 11 shows discussion over astrology between Porphyry and Plotinus with two 'zodiac' curves on the background full with nude figures.
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The folks on the top curve are dancing Macarena, those on the bottom curve are doing the Robot Dance, and the trio in the center-right is performing Phil Collins I Can't Dance routine :)
On a serious note, this image is another example how the Voynich Manuscript 'astronomical' section is not unique in the use of nude people for illustrating astrology.
Rene Zandbergen has another good one from codex Vaticanus gr. 1291 visit here.
Scott Curry proposed couple of months ago on the VMs list that the body position of the 'nymphs' maybe meant to represent different letters, so I thought the Hague creatures may be spelling something too.
I noticed the Hague, MMW, 10 A 11, at first for the Voynichese shape of the nude female figures, so here is more dancing from this manuscript.
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The 'onion' tops of the towers of the city walls in this late 15th century work also resemble a bit the mystery center of the 9-rossete page in the VMs.
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The manuscript was completed for Philippe de Commines - one of the most famous 15th century diplomats. The book was already finished by 1490 when de Commines returned to the French court to serve Charles VIII. The last books of the diplomat's memoirs tell the story of the Italian Wars. Philippe de Commines was present and fought alongside Charles VIII at the battle of Fornovo, 1495. Here is his description of the looting of the royal tent, where a mysterious book with naked women was found by the Holy League:
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For the record, I do not believe Philippe de Commines is the author of the Voynich manuscript. I believe the VMs is a work of a physician. In the context of my theory that the VMs is the book found in the tent of Charles VIII at Fornovo, my main suspect for authorship is Jean Michel Pierrevive, royal physician, astrologer, prophet and poet, who on his death bed left his book to the King as souvenir. Jean Michel died a month after the battle. The nudity of the astrological section in his book was simply misinterpreted by the Italians.
The above theory is just speculation.
First, fol. 435v of the Hague, MMW 10 A 11 shows discussion over astrology between Porphyry and Plotinus with two 'zodiac' curves on the background full with nude figures.
The folks on the top curve are dancing Macarena, those on the bottom curve are doing the Robot Dance, and the trio in the center-right is performing Phil Collins I Can't Dance routine :)
On a serious note, this image is another example how the Voynich Manuscript 'astronomical' section is not unique in the use of nude people for illustrating astrology.
Rene Zandbergen has another good one from codex Vaticanus gr. 1291 visit here.
Scott Curry proposed couple of months ago on the VMs list that the body position of the 'nymphs' maybe meant to represent different letters, so I thought the Hague creatures may be spelling something too.
I noticed the Hague, MMW, 10 A 11, at first for the Voynichese shape of the nude female figures, so here is more dancing from this manuscript.
The 'onion' tops of the towers of the city walls in this late 15th century work also resemble a bit the mystery center of the 9-rossete page in the VMs.
The manuscript was completed for Philippe de Commines - one of the most famous 15th century diplomats. The book was already finished by 1490 when de Commines returned to the French court to serve Charles VIII. The last books of the diplomat's memoirs tell the story of the Italian Wars. Philippe de Commines was present and fought alongside Charles VIII at the battle of Fornovo, 1495. Here is his description of the looting of the royal tent, where a mysterious book with naked women was found by the Holy League:
For the record, I do not believe Philippe de Commines is the author of the Voynich manuscript. I believe the VMs is a work of a physician. In the context of my theory that the VMs is the book found in the tent of Charles VIII at Fornovo, my main suspect for authorship is Jean Michel Pierrevive, royal physician, astrologer, prophet and poet, who on his death bed left his book to the King as souvenir. Jean Michel died a month after the battle. The nudity of the astrological section in his book was simply misinterpreted by the Italians.
The above theory is just speculation.
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The Voynich Manuscript: Funny Violet
Diane O'Donovan posted some thoughts about the letters in the petals of the violet on fol. 9v of the Voynich Manuscript. She believes the letters "should be Hebrew or another closely related script". Read her article here.
I can't comment on the script. However, I found image that is really close to the 'lettered' VMs violet. It is from the British Royal Collection and it is the Leonardo da Vinci drawing of the anatomy of the human anus.
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For the record, I don't believe Leonardo is the author of the Voynich manuscript. I think the above similarity is just a hilarious coincidence.
I can't comment on the script. However, I found image that is really close to the 'lettered' VMs violet. It is from the British Royal Collection and it is the Leonardo da Vinci drawing of the anatomy of the human anus.
For the record, I don't believe Leonardo is the author of the Voynich manuscript. I think the above similarity is just a hilarious coincidence.
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