The Voynich Manuscript: Medieval Codex or Elaborate Hoax?

A 15th-century illustrated codex written in an unknown language and script that has defied all attempts at decipherment for over a century.

Item MS 408 represents a medieval manuscript of unknown provenance containing undeciphered text and illustrations. Acquired by the Beinecke Rare Book & Manuscript Library in 1969 through donation. Carbon-14 analysis conducted by University of Arizona confirms vellum dating to early 15th century. Multiple academic attempts at linguistic analysis have failed to produce consensus translation. Manuscript remains subject of ongoing scholarly investigation and public interest.

Carbon Dating Analysis and Vellum Composition

In 2009, the University of Arizona conducted radiocarbon analysis on four vellum samples from the manuscript at the request of documentary producers. The analysis was performed using accelerator mass spectrometry by Dr. Douglas Donahue and his team, who had previously dated the Shroud of Turin. The carbon-14 testing revealed the vellum was created between 1404-1438 CE with 95% confidence. The ink analysis showed it contains typical medieval components including iron gall ink and various mineral pigments consistent with 15th-century European manuscripts. The vellum itself is calf skin prepared in the medieval manner. The results were published in the McCrone Research Institute reports and have been independently verified. However, the full technical data remains in private archives and has not been made publicly available online. Why would someone in the early 15th century create such an elaborate manuscript in an unknown script?

Source: University of Arizona • February 2009

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