Rare medieval manuscripts digitized for first time

 It's an exciting thing when ancient documents are finally digitized so the world can enjoy it. Here's a story about 9th century documents that were just digitized in Scotland! How cool is that!?!

(Image: NATIONAL LIBRARY OF SCOTLAND

Image caption,

The collection includes the 15th Century Book of Hours from Italy which boasts lavish gold illumination)

Rare medieval manuscripts digitized for first time 

BBC news 5/2/22

Rare manuscripts dating back as early as the 9th Century have been shared online for the first time.

More than 200 precious documents have been digitised by the National Library of Scotland.

The collection boasts a 15th Century medical almanac, printed illustrations and a 12th Century manuscript of the Rule of the Knights Templar order.

A donation from Alexander Graham, creator of the BBC's "Who Do You Think You Are?" made the work possible.

Due to the reformation in the 16th Century, it is extremely unusual to find documents from the period, particularly those used by the Roman Catholic Church.

Ulrike Hogg, manuscripts curator at the National Library in Edinburgh, said: "This fascinating digitised collection is international in origin, though a large part of the volumes were written in Scotland.

(Image: NATIONAL LIBRARY OF SCOTLAND

Image caption,

A 12th Century manuscript of the Rule of the Knights Templar order, includes advice on the "superfluity" of beards and moustaches (left))

"The survival rate of medieval Scottish manuscript volumes is generally low.

"For example, only 1% of religious manuscripts of Roman Catholic use - many of which were systematically destroyed during and after the Scottish Reformation - are believed to still be in existence.

(Image: NATIONAL LIBRARY OF SCOTLAND

Image caption,

A 15th Century medical almanac could be folded up and worn on the belt)

"It is difficult to estimate how many cultural treasures were lost during these times. The collection presented here includes a number of those fortunate survivors that have endured subsequent centuries. The collection includes:

A 15th Century folded medical/zodiac almanac, which probably belonged to a doctor based in northern England. Folded up, it could be worn on the belt A 12th Century manuscript of the Rule of the Knights Templar order, including advice on the "superfluity" of beards and moustaches A selection of historical doodles showing rich period detail A 15th Century psalter written and illuminated at Culross Abbey, Fife A tiny 15th Century Book of Hours from Italy with lavish gold illumination An early 16th Century manuscript written and illuminated in Dunkeld. Volumes produced in England, France, Italy and north-west Europe are also in the 240-piece collection.