07-01-2026, 09:18 PM
We have been assuming all along that Marci physically attached the cover letter to the inside of the book when he sent the book to Kircher. But is that a reasonable assumption?
Presumably he would have wrapped the book in (oiled?) paper and secured it with string, possibly with wax seals. Then there would be no need to attach the cover letter to the book. He could have just placed he letter inside the wrapping.
Even if the cover letter was physically attached, would it be normal for Kircher to leave it there? Are there other examples of cover letters sent to Kircher that are still attached to their respective books?
If Wilfrid received the book with the letter physically attached, I suppose that he detached it at some point, before showing MS 408 in public for the first time. (It was shown without the letter, correct?)
Do we have photos of the letter still physically attached to the book's cover?
All the best, --stolfi
Presumably he would have wrapped the book in (oiled?) paper and secured it with string, possibly with wax seals. Then there would be no need to attach the cover letter to the book. He could have just placed he letter inside the wrapping.
Even if the cover letter was physically attached, would it be normal for Kircher to leave it there? Are there other examples of cover letters sent to Kircher that are still attached to their respective books?
If Wilfrid received the book with the letter physically attached, I suppose that he detached it at some point, before showing MS 408 in public for the first time. (It was shown without the letter, correct?)
Do we have photos of the letter still physically attached to the book's cover?
All the best, --stolfi