The Supposed Autographa of John the Scot
The Supposed Autographa of John the Scot
History - Medieval/Middle Ages, Philosophy & Ethics
The Supposed Autographa of John the Scot, written by Edward Kennard Rand in the early 20th century, examines the manuscript tradition of John Scotus Erigena's works, particularly his philosophical text, 'De Divisione Naturae.' Rand analyzes marginal notes and corrections in various manuscripts, arguing that these annotations may not be in Scot's own hand, thus questioning the identification of his true autograph. This scholarly work highlights the collaborative nature of manuscript transmission in the medieval period and emphasizes the importance of understanding these revisions for a comprehensive view of Scot's philosophical contributions.
About The Supposed Autographa of John the Scot
Chapter Summaries
- 1
- Rand introduces Traube's discovery of supposed autograph handwriting of John the Scot in various manuscripts and explains his initial acceptance of this theory. He sets up his methodology of examining the hypothesis until it becomes 'too heavy to bear.'
- 2
- Detailed examination of the primary manuscript, identifying multiple scribal hands and the relationship between text and marginal additions. Rand establishes the existence of an original text (O) that served as the basis for various copies.
- 3
- Investigation of how different scribal hands (I, r1, r2, etc.) work together on corrections and enlargements. Rand demonstrates that the supposed autograph hand behaves more like a collaborating scribe than an author.
Key Themes
- Scientific Method and Scholarly Integrity
- Rand demonstrates the importance of rigorous examination and willingness to revise conclusions when evidence contradicts initial hypotheses. His reluctant abandonment of Traube's theory exemplifies honest scholarship over academic loyalty.
- The Nature of Textual Authority
- The work explores how manuscripts evolve through multiple hands and revisions, questioning what constitutes an 'authentic' or 'authoritative' text. The collaborative nature of medieval manuscript production challenges modern notions of single authorship.
- Medieval Scholarly Collaboration
- The investigation reveals a complex network of scribes, correctors, and collaborators working together on philosophical texts. This challenges romantic notions of the solitary medieval scholar and highlights the communal nature of intellectual work.
Characters
- Edward Kennard Rand(protagonist)
- The author and narrator of this scholarly investigation. A paleographer who initially supported Traube's theory but later changed his position based on careful manuscript examination.
- Ludwig Traube(major)
- The deceased German paleographer whose theory about John the Scot's autograph handwriting forms the central hypothesis being examined. His work in Palaeographische Forschungen provided the foundation for this investigation.
- John the Scot (Johannes Scotus Eriugena)(major)
- The 9th-century Irish philosopher and author of 'De Divisione Naturae' whose supposed autograph handwriting is the subject of this paleographical investigation. Though central to the study, he appears only through his written work and the various manuscript hands attributed to him.
- Thomas Gale(minor)
- The 17th-century editor who published one of the shorter forms of John the Scot's work in 1681.
- H. J. Floss(minor)
- The 19th-century editor who published the most complete form of John the Scot's work in 1852 from Paris manuscripts.
