Exploration of Botanical Manuscripts : A Comparative Case Study

This comparative analysis explores two Arabic manuscripts of De Materia Medica, delving into their historical significance, textual disparities, and cultural influence. The study investigates the differences and similarities between these documents, offering valuable insights into their continued relevance and intricate attributes. Credited to the Greek physician Pedanius Dioscorides, De Materia Medica is highly regarded for its comprehensive documentation of medicinal substances derived from plants, animals, and minerals, solidifying its status as a fundamental resource in pharmaceutical knowledge. The study employs various approaches to investigate the historical and artistic components of the Arabic De Materia Medica manuscripts. This involves examining visual alterations, nuanced language variations, depictions, and discrepancies, as well as investigating annotations and revisions. The aim of the research is to provide a comprehensive understanding of the origins, users, and textual evolutions of these manuscripts over time, based on the case study of two examples kept respectively at the Leiden University Library (Or. 289) and the British Library (Or 3366).

The research illustrates the enduring significance of these documents as sources of knowledge and cultural exchange in different historical eras. It highlights the various communities that interacted with and benefited from these manuscripts. Additionally, the study showcases significant advancement of scientific knowledge by including plant names that were absent in earlier manuscripts. Despite encountering obstacles such as limited availability of physical manuscripts and fragmented textual content, the investigation addresses deficiencies in current Arabic De Materia Medica studies. By conducting a comparative examination of two manuscripts, this study offers significant perspectives into the scholarly pursuits and methodologies of their relevant eras, highlighting the importance of manuscript production in preserving and disseminating knowledge.