The leaf upon which this manuscript breviary was written and subsequently edited is made from animal skin. This is evidenced by the scattering of darker brown dots on the sides of the parchment, left by the hair follicles of the animal on the right side of the leaf, and a dark spot on the lower left corner of the leaf in Fig 1, that indicates the presence of animal fat, resulting from improper removal of fat from the skin and insufficient stretching of the animal skin during the parchment making process.
Fig. 1 Photo of Breviary Leaf
The edits visible on the parchment are conventional for a manuscript. They include scraped out sections, faintly visible in Fig 2 and 3, replaced by a different set of information as well as additional text as seen in Fig 4. These scraped out sections are believed to have been details dealing with the conception of the Virgin which became a subject of debate in the 15th century, situating the edits made to the manuscript to this time period and the creation of the original manuscript itself to be prior to the conclusion of the debate in 1476. The use of parchment was more common in Europe from the 6th to 14th century, after which paper began to replace it as the common medium. The breviary leaf being made of parchment reinforces this estimation of its creation and editing in the 15th century.
Fig. 2 Scraped corrections first section
Fig. 3 Scraped corrections second section
Fig. 4 Extra information added in after completion of original manuscript
The slight inconsistency in the handwriting seen between Fig 2 and 4, suggests that these edits were possibly made by two separate individuals at two separate times. However, as a breviary leaf, it contains passages used during religious services in church. This suggests the leaf was owned by a church and implies that edits to the manuscript, while possibly being made by two different individuals, were likely made according to a single organisational direction in the church rather than being personalised edits that tailor the use of the leaf to a specific individual.
The edits illustrate how perceptions and teachings of religion have undergone change to convey what was believed to be the correct religious doctrine and provide the congregation with the right teachings. It highlights the fluidity of the book, which is reinforced by the possibility of the text undergoing multiple edits at different times. Additionally, as a religious text that was likely the property of the church and not available for personal use, it highlights the power those in possession of the text had over others as they could control the information disseminated to the masses and alter it in line with their beliefs to spread their agendas.
Prepared by Mavis Chiong