Codicology is a discipline within the field of manuscript studies that focuses on the physical aspects and material characteristics of ancient books and documents. It encompasses the study of the physical structure, composition, and format of handwritten manuscripts and inscriptions as well as the analysis of the materials used in their preparation and binding.
At its core, codicology aims to understand the book as an object and to decipher its history by examining its physical attributes. This includes investigating the manuscript's size, shape, and layout, as well as its binding, cover, and decoration. Through these investigations, codicologists gain insights into the manuscript's production, cultural context, and use over time.
Codicologists analyze various features of manuscripts such as the type and quality of paper or parchment used, the ink or pigments employed, the techniques of writing or illustration, and the presence of marginal annotations or corrections. These examinations contribute to the understanding of the manuscript's production process, the skill of its scribes or artists, and even the social or religious context in which it was created.
Additionally, codicology involves the study of paratextual elements like colophons, scribal notations, ownership marks, or bindings, which offer valuable information regarding the transmission, provenance, and ownership history of a manuscript.
In summary, codicology is a multidisciplinary field that combines aspects of paleography, book history, conservation, and archaeology to comprehensively analyze the physical properties, production, and historical significance of ancient handwritten documents.
