Als die maen is inden weder. Practical Advice in a Late-Fifteenth-Century Astrological Calendar Manuscript. Amsterdam UB MS XXIII A 8.

Abstract

This RMA thesis examines the late-fifteenth-century Middle Dutch artes codex Astrological Calendar Manuscript Amsterdam UB, MS XXIII A 8, according to the methods of New Codicology. In an extensive Introduction, the material properties of the codex are discussed and the medieval thinking that underlies the texts is explored. The codicological analysis turns out to reveal much about the origins of the codex in the late fifteenth century. An explanation of medieval cosmology and (medical) astrology provides the reader with a cultural background against which to place the texts. Several types of astrological texts occurring in the manuscript are then examined in more detail, providing clues to the intended audience and the mainly practical use this audience must have had for the manuscript. Finally, the question is addressed whether the codex must be viewed as a medical manuscript or not. The thesis includes a diplomatic edition and an English translation of the texts in the manuscript.