Voynich Manuscript coding and decoding methods

Abstract

The Voynich manuscript is the book dated as fifteen century, written using specific and smart coding methods. This article describes the methods how it was analyzed and how coding keys were found.

Full text

Voynich Manuscript coding
and decoding methods.
Alexander G. Ulyanenkov, alex.ulyanenkov@protonmail.ch
© 2016 Alexander Ulyanenkov (Александр Ульяненков). All rights (inc. also code location,
identification, decoding, translation etc.) - reserved
Abstract: The Voynich manuscript (VMS) is the book dated as
15th - 16th century, written using specific and smart coding
methods. This article describes the methods how it was
analyzed and how coding keys were found. It is also shows the
VMS author’s method of coding.
Keywords: Voynich manuscript, code, codes, coding, decoding,
decipher, VMS, key, keys, Kelley, Kelly, Dee, Trithemij,
Trithemius.
1. Introduction
This is an ancient manuscript, familiar to many researchers
of medieval riddles under the names "Voynich Manuscript" (also
known in abbreviation – VMS, which I will use in the text), it
was also called as the "book, which no one can read," because
neither the language used for writing it or its author, nor
place, nor even the date of writing was unknown.
Its current name the manuscript received from the name of one
of the last owners - Michael Voynich (1865 -1930) - Polish
revolutionary (pseudonym "Wilfred."), bibliophile and
antiquarian, husband of well known writer Ethel Lilian
Voynich.
Mysterious manuscript Voynich acquired for his collection in
1912. And although that did not affected the success in
deciphering the manuscript, but finally influenced it future
fate - in 1959 Voynich family heirs sold it to bookseller Hans
Kraus, who in 1969 gave it to the library of rare books
Benecke at Yale University, where it is still being held.

On the official website of the library of rare books Benecke
of Yale University [1] the manuscript description is the
following:
Call Number: Beinecke MS 408 (Request the physical item to
view in our reading room)
Alternate Title: Voynich Manuscript
Date: [ca. 1401-1599?]
Genres: Manuscripts
Botanical illustrations
Astronomical charts
Drawings
Hand coloring
Illustrations
Type of Resource: mixed material
Description: Parchment. ff. 102 (contemporary foliation,
Arabic numerals; not every leaf foliated) + i (paper),
including 5 double-folio, 3 triple-folio, 1 quadruple-folio
and 1 sextuple-folio folding leaves. 225 x 160 mm.
Abstract: Scientific or magical text in an unidentified
language, in cipher, apparently based on Roman minuscule
characters.
Physical Description: 1 vol.
color illustrations
23 x 16 cm. (binding)
The main text and illustrations looks like image on Fig.1 (all
the images of VMS pages were taken from VMS web-page of the
library of rare books Benecke at Yale University [1])
The most of plants on VMS pages are not exists.

Fig. 1 The typical VMS image of page containing plant (VMS
page 11v in accordance with library page identification).
2. Initial approach and assumptions for further analysis.
1) No stereotypes - After reading some corresponding to VMS
articles the decision was to start from zero – to try to
avoid any stereotypes which can finally become to the

critical mistakes. Because of that you will not find a
lot of citing links in this article.
2) Trust to you own eyes - that you can see re initial
data re VMS:
- Well structured (you see botanical, astronomical,
anatomical and pharmaceutical data). There are
something similar to Avicenna’s Canon.
- Consist of encrypted and non-encrypted text
- Consist of allegory images
- Consist of Arabic numerical
- Written clearly and using at least 4 different
handwritings – 1x stenography like (for main text), 1x
Latin gothic (in Astronomical part for zodiac
constellations marking), 1x italic (for ciphering), 1x
– ancient (probably “black English” like used for
hornbooks - also for ciphering) - all are present on
the 4r page (in accordance with library page
identification).
- Consist of the text in different colors
- VMS is written on most expensive type of parchment
In more details - the manuscript is visually divided onto the
following sections:
- Botanical - this is one of the most voluminous chapters the
description and drawings of plants, the vast majority of which
do not lend themselves to recognize even approximately.
- Astronomical - contains a charts on which the symbols of
the sun, the moon, stars and zodiac constellations are used.
Zodiacal part consists of 12 related images, among which there
are no signs of Capricorn and Aquarius, but twice repeated
signs of Angus and Taurus. In addition, the zodiacal section
contains signatures in Gothic letters in the Latin alphabet,
which are relatively easy to read and which relates to the
corresponding months.
- Biological - a chart with with allegorical images of human
organs - in the form of tanks and channels (swimming pools
etc), filled with different colored liquids. In the channels

and in pools there are strange dames, or, as some calls them
- nymphs.
- Cosmological - Contains pictures and diagrams which are not
fully understandable.
- Pharmaceutical - section containing plants reduced
drawings on the background of some hypothetical pharmaceutical
vessels, which may indicate the section as a guide for the
compilation of certain herbal mixtures.
- Formulation - the last section, consisting of a rich set of
short text paragraphs, the beginning of each is indicated by
the image of a star. Others pictures that section does not
contains.
The first assumption was that VMS is not a fake.
If so – that means that the VMS author had the opportunity to
simply read without necessity to use the special complicated
cheats.
If so – the VMS author used the more-less easy coding method.
If so – the VMS author possibly left some hints for himself
and for other dedicated readers
3. Basic tasks for codes & keys investigation.
1) What ciphering methods were used in the time when VMS was
written?
The radiocarbon analysis of the VMS parchment was done by
University of Arizona and the result shows period 1404 –

1438 with the probability of 95% [2].
Here we should not mix the date analysis for parchment and for
manuscript itself, because parchment analysis gives us only
the information when the animals which skins were used for
parchment manufacturing were killed. The manuscript itself can
be written later or even much later.
Means it is necessary to enlarge the possible period when VMS
was written. My initial assumption was till ~ 1500. The
assumption re 1500 was based on the information of average
period of maximal aging of quality medieval paper before it
was used – 10-15 years. As we are talking about parchment –
the maximum aging is can be much lager. I used 45-50 years.
In that period were several methods commonly used – you will
find the description below.
2) Where we should look for codes & keys?
Definitely not in the main text because it just coded by
unknown alphabet.
That means somewhere in pictures.
There few possibilities to left a keys or instruction how to
find it:
a. In the images with masked letters
b. In images captions
c. In Latin letters scattered on the pages (if we know
the order how to construct the words)
d. Using identified numerical data

4. Analisys of the images to find the masked letters.
For the analysis was used a final handwritten page of the VMS
Fig. 2 The image of final handwritten page of VMS
In the top part of the page you can find the pictures and the
text.
The reason to start the image analysis of the last handwritten
page was the following – the images location and images
compilation are very unusual in comparison with other parts of
VMS.
Fig. 3 The images and text on the final page of VMS.

Lets focus on the images first. The contrast was enhanced by
image processing software [3].
Fig. 4 Images from the last page of VMS.
Why Dragon, Capricorn and Madame (or Maiden) titles were
used?
Because other images with animal in VMS corresponds to zodiac
constellations. The only concerning “Madame” there is a
question.
If we follow the logics that all the images are corresponds to
zodiac constellations the crossed V letter also should mention
the constellation.
It was easily identified - as the sign of Ophiuchus, which
lies on the side. Now crossed “U” letter is used for
Ophiuchus, but in medieval period V letter was used.
That image looks like a string of letters
starting from turned and crossed by vertical bar
letter V (V)
That image looks like an animal like Goat or
Capricorn (C)
That image looks like Madame or Maiden (M).
Not Lady or Virgo (explanation is below)
That image looks like an animal like a Duck or a
Dragon (D). The animal body consists of symbols
similar to Latin letters like (from left to right) -
F, E and L.

I especially left Latin letters related to each constellation:
D, F, V, C and M. That partly explains the reason why the
name “Madame” was used - this sequence can also give us some
additional info, like date (for example), because these
letters (excluding F) can be also used as roman numerals.
We knew that the date analysis gave us an approximate period
of VMS writing as 1404 – 1438. Means 15th century.
“Madame”(not Lady or Virgo) – as “M” comes from the following
assumption:
-if VMS author left the date and if we are talking about date
corresponding with 15th century at list we should see the
letter “M” – Millenium. The only image which can be related to
“M” letter is the image of naked girl…
The letter looking like “F” we will investigate below.
Let’s start to analyze each image in details.
Let’s start from the Dragon. The dragon head is looking to the
left with open mouth.
Fig. 5 Head of Dragon (original)
It is consist of a couple of visible roman letters

Fig. 6 Head of Dragon with masked letter.
The order how to read the text (same for all other images) –
you should read it from the left to the right, but - the
upper letter (even if it is located in right position) has a
priority in front to the bottom letter.
Here we see the most upper letter is V.
Next (also on the top) is I.
Next is V.
Last is A
The word hidden here - V I V A
Now let's have a look to strange body of that animal...
Fig. 7 The part of Dragon body (original image)
It definitely consist of L E and most probably X (not F).
By the way - in that particular case the sign of letter "Е"
can be also similar to the letter "u", but in all other cases
for letter "u" author used signs "V" or "U"

Fig. 8 The part of Dragon body with hidden text.
That means L E X
That is also gives us the right data for date analysis - D X V
C M = 500 10 5 100 1000. Looks like incorrect writing of
1615...
That strange order of roman numerals may also sign that not
all of it we have to add in the sum, 2 of it - 10 and 5 can be
subtracted... That gives us another date - 1 5 8 5
Why 2 of its? D, C, M - have a graphical interpretation
from related images of zodiac constellations. X and V are
written as a letters.
First of all it is interesting what is the VIVA LEX meaning?
Let's try to understood of strange letters string.
Fig. 9 The string of masked letters.
My decoding (the resolution of the images from Yale
unfortunately not enough for more precise
analysis) will be:

OR
Fig. 10 and Fig. 11 The letters string with possible
identification.
At list in my assumption that looks like V I A R I U S or V I
A R I A S
There are also other candidates - VICARIU(A)S and ESQUIRIU(A)S
Now possible sentence here is "V I V A L E X V I A R I U(A)S"
Now our most interesting animal - Capricorn.
Fig. 12 The original image of Capricorn

Fig. 13 The image of Capricorn with hidden letters
Looks like the name of the author –
C A L L Y A D V A R T E Y U S .
Simply – Edward Kelly…
But let's finalize our analysis.
The last figure – is Maiden.
Fig. 14 The original image of Madame or Maiden

Fig. 15 The image of Madame or Maiden with hidden letters
Let's read...
C R E A T Y O R
or
Fig. 16 The image of Madame or Maiden with hidden letters
C R E A Y T Y O R

We know that Kelley is died not later 1597.
VIVA LEX VIARIUS
EDWADRD KELLEY
CREATOR
1585
Of course this record can slightely vary, but in general it
looks like one big riddle is resolved...
If my assumption is right (let’s try to do your own
investigation) – we can do the following conclusions.
The record should be investigated in more details using
specific microscopy methods – UV, IR, DF ect.
5. Initial results.
1) The author possibly – Sir Edward Kelly (1555 – 1597) –
well known English alchemist.
2) The manuscript was written in late 16th century.
3) The manuscript was written on the parchment which is 100
years older than author and for such cases the
radiocarbon dating is not good enough.
4) The manuscript was written in England.
5) The language used is Latin and probably English
So, we possibly found the author, the date, the location
where VMS were created and the language used for it writing.
6. Analysis of captions to the image on selected pages.
At first several pages [1] from different VMS part were
selected.The selected pages were taken from different chapters
of VMS
- Anatomical
- Botanical
- Astronomical
- Pharmaceutical
For the astronomical part the page used for analysis were
selected just because of one significant feature – double star
well known also in medieval period.

There were also several additional pages used for verification
of the codes and keys were identified.
A) Selected Page#1 (78r according library identification)
Fig. 17 The selected page from anatomical part of VMS with
marked locations of analyzing symbols
B) Selected Page# 2 (33v according library identification)
Fig. 18 The selected page from botanical part of VMS with
marked location of analyzing symbols
String A
String B
String C

C) Selected Page# 3 (70v according library identification)
Fig. 19 The selected page from astronomical part of VMS with
marked location of analyzing symbols
D) Selected Page# 4 (100r according library identification)
Fig. 20 The selected page from pharmaceutical part of VMS
7. RESULTS
On the page# 1 were found the following candidates for
encrypted keys:
1) Analysis of string A.
String E
String D
String F

Fig. 21 Image of string A.
That caption to the image visually corresponds with more-less
realistic image of human AORTA.
After final analysis using of different Latin alphabet based
languages the following symbols were identified (all meanings
of identified codes and keys first of all related to modern
pronunciation, because of that you will see various related
sounds like “B”-“P”, “D”-“T”, “S”-“SH” etc; the symbols
meanings are also related of the each symbol location or
symbols combination or if symbol of rule - “o”- is used. I
used also bold fonts to mark more often used meanings):
Fig. 22 Identified symbol #1 (ORT)
Fig. 23 Identified symbol #2 (A)
Fig. 24 Identified symbol #3 (O or “symbol of rule” or
spacebar)
That symbol means – ORT (mostly in one meaning – like
modern DIRECTION if stays separately or with “o” sign)
That symbol means – A, EA, AE, probably ON
That symbol means – O, TO, TOO, TA
It is also sets the rule how to read nearby symbols. It
is also means spacebar

2) Analysis of string B.
Fig. 25 Image of string B.
That caption to the image visually corresponds with more-less
realistic image of human gall biliary vesicle or cholecyst.
After final analysis of different Latin alphabet based
languages the preferences were done for old English – here it
was called as GALLBLADER (that was done for longest part of
symbols above).
That gave us other keys:
Fig. 26 Identified symbol #4 (G)
Fig. 27 Identified symbol #5 (L)
Fig. 28 Identified symbol #6 (B)
Fig. 29 Identified symbol #7 (D)
That symbol means – GE, G, GA, GO, GEA, GAE, GET
That symbol means – L, LL, ALL, LA, LE, LI, EL, ELL, OL, OLL, L
That symbol means – D, T, AD, DA, ADD, AND, DE
That symbol means – B, P, PL, PU, PT, PUT, PLA, PA, AP, APL, BL, BLA, ABL

Fig. 30 Identified combination of symbols #6&#7 (BLOOD)
Fig. 31 Identified symbol #8 (ER)
Fig. 32 Identified symbol #9 (IN)
The rest of the caption containing GALLBLADER can be read as
IN or INN or INNE (in meaning inside) or like NINA, because
the picture of GALLBLADER contains of images of small dames –
in Spanish it sounds as NINA (baby-girl).
3) Analysis of string C.
On the page# 2 were found the following candidates for
encrypted keys:
Fig. 33 Image of string C.
This caption was linked to the image of the flower which
corresponds to the real flower of Heliantus or Sunflower.
If we will divide the name “SUNFLOWER” for 2 simple words we
will receive “SUN FLOWER” wich can be also translated as
HELIA PLANT
Some symbols we already Identified above.
That symbol combination means – BLAD, BLADA, BLATA, PLATA, BLUD,
BLUDA (in only one modern meaning – BLOOD or other liquids
with similar meaning – like JUICE as a BLOOD of PLANT)
That symbol means – IN, INN, N, NA, AN
That symbol means – ER, IR

Fig. 34 Image of string C with marked symbols identified
above.
Now we found new one:
Fig. 35 Identified symbol #10 (ANT)
Fig. 36 Identified combination of symbols #6&#10 (PLANT)
4) Analysis of string D.
On the page# 3 only one candidate was used to analyze the
encrypted keys:
Fig. 37 Image of string D
There is a symbolic image of a double star in the Fish
constellation. It is ID is Alpha Piscium (Alpha Psc,
α Piscium, α Psc) but the traditional name of that star is
Alrescha (Al Rescha, Alrischa, Alrisha)
As a result:
Fig. 38 Identified symbol #11 (RI)
That symbol means only – ANT
That symbol means – RI, RY, RE, REE
That symbol combination means only – PLANT
(herb, tree etc)

Fig. 39 Identified symbol #12 (S)
5) Analysis of string E.
On the page# 4 were found the following candidates for
encrypted keys:
Fig. 40 Image of string E
That symbols string contains symbol of rule “o”(but in the
same time that symbol also can be readable (as T, TO,TA)) and
…RIND. After analyzing the whole modern meaning was found –
TAMARIND. After verification using symbol in the middle we
can confirm the following:
Fig. 41 Identified symbol #13 (M)
6) Analysis of string F
Next selected word.
Fig. 42 Image of string F
It contains LA, RI, S. After more detailed verification using
other pages the modern meaning of that word is ACICULARIS, the
original (above) can be read as CULARIS.
That symbol means – S, IS, AS, SH, SHA
That symbol sounds – MA, ME
General meaning is not finally clear for me in
some locations it logically means – TO HAVE,
in others – MAJOR or MATURE

Fig. 43 Identified symbol #14 (C or CUT)
Finally after use of symbols identified (above), some other
symbols were identified and verified.
Fig. 44 Identified symbol #15 (H)
Fig. 45 Identified symbol #16 (FILL)
Fig. 46 Identified symbol #17 (TRE)
Fig. 47 Identified symbol #18 (RET)
Fig. 48 Identified symbol #19 (PUT)
Fig. 49 Identified symbol #20 (ERN)
Not all symbols were identified, but now we can read the text
more-less easily.
That symbol means – CUT, C, CU, CE, TC
That symbol means – H, CH, HE, HA, HAT, HET
That symbol means – FILL, FO, FOR
That symbol means – TRE or TREE
In separate always means TREE
That symbol means – RET or RED
In separate always means RED color
That symbol means – PUT
That symbols needs more verification
That symbol means – ERN, EARN, ERNE, ORN, URN, ORNE, URNE,
OURN, OURNE

8. USE OF RESULTS
Of cause anybody now can start to read the text of VMS. But it
is still requires to understood the complete principles of
coding.
Fig. 50 The example how to read the VMS (used page 1r of VMS)
The book is starting from the phrase “Merry trea cut a hrid
rin a gant ret add”.
That means something like “Put the cuted pieces of tree on
the grid …………… add red….”
VMS author not only used most common words as symbols, he also
used the new rule of phrases construction and absence of
punctuation.
a. CODING METHOD
Few words about general coding – it is STEGANOGRAPHIA.
At that time the most modern and sophisticated ciphering
methods (especially Steganographia, even as a word
“steganographia”) were for the first time described by
Johannes Trithemius (1462 - 1516) in his works:
- “Poligraphia” (published in 1518)
- “Steganographia” (written in 1500, but officially
published only in 1608, in 1609 included in the list of
prohibited books (Index Librorum Prohibitorum))

Fig. 51 The title page of book “Steganographia” of Joh.
Tritemius [4].
There is a picture in the Trithemius book [3]
Fig. 52 The part of coding principles from “Steganoraphia”
If we will pay our attention to the VMS page # 57v (according
library identification)
Fig. 53 The image from VMS page 57v (according library
identification)
1T
2T
3T
4T
“Levels in
Tritemius book
1M
2M
3M
5M
“Levels” in VMS
4M

These 2 images are roughly the same (according its meaning)
the only different is location of levels in Trithemius book
and in VMS. As well as VMS image consist one level more.
The relationship between VMS and Tritemius levels is the
following:
1T = 5M, 2T = 4M, 3T = 3M, 4T = 2M
The “Level 1M” is not used for coding.
In details: Why 4T = 2M? Of course it will be a good riddle…
The explanation:
Fig. 54 The image from VMS page 57v with numeral data
identified.
You can see the sequence of 17 numerals on that page. It
repeated 4 (four) times and also dividing the whole circles
for 4 equal parts as in Trithemius book (he also used 17
digits – in the center part of the image).
The image in VMS is a modified coding principle offered by
Trithemius!
That again links us to the date analysis.
The “STEGANOGRAPHIA” was written in 1500…
Means VMS was definitely written later. Means in 16th century.
Now still a question to confirm the authorship of Kelly,
because somebody else can leave the images and the signature.
So:
b. ADDITIONAL CONCLUSIONS
1) The manuscript (VMS) is written in medieval or
especially modified English
2) Because of 1) Tritemius most probably is not wrote VMS

3) VMS Author is used the Trithemius “Steganographia” (16th
century)
4) VMS Author is used a lot of specific scientific data from
different areas of sciences.
5) VMS Author was interested in development of hard and
reliable ciphering methods.
6) VMS Author was involved in alchemical works.
7) VMS Author was linked to Alchemy (bird symbol on the
Fig.36 – means Phenix, the VMS starts from alchemical
marriage etc.)
8) VMS finally was acquired by Rudolph II in the same period
as Sir Edward Kelly and Sir John Dee were in his court.
9) John Dee find the handwritten copy of “Steganographia”
(it is present in his library list) in 1563 in Holland
during his diplomatic journey… And used it for writing
his “Monas Hieroglyphica” (or “Hieroglyphic Monad”) in
1564.
10) John Dee was an English diplomat who was interested
in reliable ciphering methods…
11) All the information including the legend how Kelly
find the “Book of Dunstan” and how Kelly worked with it
(12th of December 1587 – the last note in John Dee diary
re “Book of Dunstan” ) we knew only from John Dee notes…
That is very strange.
In addition.
The same image of part of coding principles from
“Steganoraphia” as present on the Fig.38 is found in John Dee
works [5].
Fig. 55. Image of part of
coding principles with
handwriting of John Dee

My final conclusions re VMS:
- It is a manuscript possibly written by John Dee. At
least under his control. There is a probability that
Edward Kelly was really involved in it writing
- It is written possibly around 1585, may be finally
completed in late 1587 or early 1588.
- The real possible name of VMS is – the “Book of
Dunstan”
9. Samples of deciphering.
The codes and keys identification is just a small part for
future and long term investigation of professionals. Even if
you knew codes and keys you should also know how to read the
text as well as how to interpret it. Below I’ll show how
many visible “traps” were left by VMS author.
At first I would like to demonstrate few examples how the keys
which were identified are used for decoding.
Fig. 56 The image of VMS page 11v
Some more symbols identified.
Fig. 57 Identified symbol #21 (POT)
Let’s use the image of VMS page
11v (according library
identification) [1]
That symbol probably means – POT, POD, PT, PD
That symbol needs more verification
I used first 2 string of the text

Fig. 58 Identified symbol #22 (AM)
Fig. 59 Simbols #6 and #22 combination
Fig. 60 Simbols #6 and #2 combination
Fig. 61 Symbols string with meaning RETORT
Fig. 62 Symbols string with meaning ARTERIA
Fig. 63 Symbols string with meaning DOUBLE
Fig. 64 Identified symbol #23 (KEA)
Below you will see the reconstruction#1 of the text.
That symbol probably means – AM, AMP, AMB, EM, EMP,
EMB, UM, UMP, UMB
That symbol needs more verification
That symbols combination probably means – PLAM or
PLAMB (as plum or plumb)… That needs more verification
That symbols combination meaning can be probably –
APLA (as apply) or BLA (as BLOOD) … That needs more verification
That symbols combination meaning is only – RETORTA
(retort)
That symbols combination meaning is – ORTRI (most
likely – ARTERIA or inner channel). That needs more verification
That symbols combination meaning – DABLA or DAPLA or
DAPL or DAPL (in modern meaning - double or twice)
That symbols means – KEA, KE or KEY

Fig. 65 Reconstruction#1 of first 2 text strings of VMS page
11v
That tell us possibly the following:”Ma dabla tre apla retorta
ret in apla fill to gea ret add ort ri in brin cut a ret add
apla tre pot a ret put a plant abris a hea plam pl tre a”
The meaning can be the following:
“Take (or find) the tree with double trunk (as shown on the
picture – A.U.). For Red (probably parts or juice – A.U.) use
the retort. Get red. Apply. Fill together. Add red. Cut and
bring artery. Add. Apply the tripod. Red put in. Plant draw
is on the page. There is a plumb (or plum – A.U.) tree.”
Below you will see the reconstruction#2 of the text.
Fig. 66 Reconstruction#2 of first 2 text strings of VMS page
11v
That tells us possibly the following:”Ma dabla tre bla (pay
your attention to the see the symbol of the rule located
before – A.U.) retorta ret in bla (can be also – apla,
because there is no neighboring symbol of the rule– A.U.) fill
to gea ret add ort ri in brin cut a ret add bla (can be also –
apla, because there is no neighboring symbol of the rule–
A.U.) tre pot a ret put a plant abris a hea plam pl tre a”
The meaning can be the following:
“Take the blood of tree with double trunk (as shown on the
picture – A.U.). For Red (probably parts or juice – A.U.) use
the retort. Get red in blood (can be also – apply, because
there is no neighboring symbol of the rule– A.U.). Combine.
Bring cut red (probably parts –A.U.). Add blood (can be also –
apply, because there is no neighboring symbol of the rule–

A.U.) the tripod. Red put in. Plant draw is on the page.
There is a plumb (or plum – A.U.) tree.”
Above you’ve seen the difficulties with correct
interpretation.
Here is an excise for you (I’ll give the only how it sounds –
the interpretation I’ll leave for you).
Fig. 67 The image of first string (partly) from VMS page 75v
That is anatomical part. VMS page 75v consist of image
similar to human trachea.
Fig. 68 Decoding of first string (partly) from VMS page 75v
One important remark: In that particular case (above) the
symbol (“MA”) is used in most probably in 2 meanings –
“take” and “major (mature, main)”. Because of the symbol of
rule “o”…
Let’s come back to the VMS Page# 4 (100r according library
identification) from pharmaceutical part. Let’s try to
identify some plants. Important remark – not all of the plants
on the page are present with names, for some – there are just
the instruction what to do with it(cut, grind etc.). That
means that not titled plants should be easily identified by
specialists (I’ll will mark my assumptions in red).

Fig. 69 Identified plants from VMS page 100r
The 2 of most interesting for me specimens I marked as A and
B. Let’s pay our attention to Specimen A.
Fig. 70 Specimen A
“He ourn all’ (modern “Earn all”
– take all parts). The plant is
probably Leek (?)
Acicularis (allegory image
– the pant consist of
sharp parts.
Nettle (?)
Convolvulus (?)
Ahave (?)
Aloe (?)
A
B
Possible coded name
Tamarind
“In add” . The plant is probably
Broccoli (?)
“Add trekea as” (Add as trachea (?) - stem (?))
“Ga kea to add”. May be “hack and add”.
“Here add all” (?)

That specimen can not be visually and logically linked to any
real plant. Because of that VMS author should sign it with
coded real name. The strings containing word “PLANT” is on the
top left corner. That sounds like “PLANTBLA” or “PLANTAPLA”.
We knew one very nice and interesting plant called in Latin –
“Plantago” or, in modern English – “Plantain”.
Let’s check – what will be possible solution…
It can be for example - Plantago lanceolata [6]
Fig. 71 Image of Plantaga lanceolata.
Let’s pay our attention to Specimen B. I used it because found
that in 2014 some specialists [7] identified it as an Opuntia
from American continent. And even recognized it name in Aztecs
language as Nochtll or Noshtll…
Fig. 72 Image of specimen B.
May be not all of it parts –
“peaks” only. But also possible
leaves and “heads of peaks”
because of image in VMS is
allegorical.
First of all that plant can be compared
with many other plants with similar form
factor. Even on the same VMS page below
the image of specimen B there are 2 more
candidates to be recognized as Opuntia…
That means – VMS author left us the name.

The caption for that plants sounds “ALGA”… In modern English –
“ALGAE”. Far away from Opuntia.
I don’t know which one from ALGAE famility.
The solution can be “Brown Algae Fucus” (may be it “fruits”
only).
Fig. 73 Image of Brown Algae Fucus [8].
Next 2 examples I used from the work [9] which consists a
lot of ideas re possible identification of plants and words.
I would like to start from the page 46 of the mentioned
source [9].
It is linked to analysis of the VMS page 31r – especially for
the analysis of the first word on the page which can be
possibly read as “KOOTON” (Cotton):
Fig. 74 Image of first symbols of the first string of VMS page
31r.
The first phrase sounds (according our keys) like the
following:
“Heorn Plakea” – in modern English it most probably
corresponds with “Placea Horn”…
Let’s come now to the astronomical and astrological VMS parts.

We will point our attention to the same work [9] first, to it
page 19 where VMS page 68r analysis was proceed.
The author [9] identified at first the Pleiades constellation
and as a result - TAURUS on the diagram.
Small remark – it will be really difficult or even impossible
to identify the TAURUS without significantly and easily
recognizable as Pleiades, left by VMS autor.
As author wrote [9] in the chapter “TAURUS”:
It was noted at the beginning of this article that no word of
the VM has been convincingly translated or glossed, but in
fact there is one word which has received a degree of
consensus. On page 68r, in a dramatic diagram apparently
showing the moon in the heavens, a set of seven stars has been
suggested to show the ‘Pleiades’ sometimes known as the Seven
Sisters, in the constellation of Taurus (Figure 4 [6]) and the
accompanying word has sometimes be interpreted to indicate
TAURUS (Zandbergen 2004-2013) […]
Truly sad – unexpected conclusion according to my opinion.
There is an astronomical part with TAURUS described twice by
VMS author. Here Taurus directly mentioned as Taurus.
And what does it means - “sometimes”?
The symbolic caption, mentioned by author [9] is visually (at
least to me)linked to Pleiades, as well as other 2 captions to
the star and to the “curve line”. Unclear why only one
symbolic caption was selected to analysis of word “Taurus”.
The Pleiades sign - in my initial assumption - was used just
to allow the navigation in that calendar diagram as a marker
for understanding how to calculate the right months/days. If
VMS author left us sign of Pleiades there is no need to add
the “Taurus” name…
Let’s have a look to the mentioned page and to the captions on
it.

Fig. 75 Image of diagram on the VMS page 68r with Pleiades.
Anyhow the authors [9] idea quite good. It is clear that at
least the rules which were used by VMS author for naming of
“Taurus” or “Pleiades” should be also applicable to naming of
at least “Aldebaran” or/and also for “curve line”. We are even
not talking about the language VMS author used. We are talking
just about some possible identification methods which should
allow us to find correlation between symbols and captions,
which finally can give us the idea for understanding of rules
how VMS was written.
If we cannot find the rule linked to astronomical/astrological
names - we have to search another way.
Of course now we can read the words on this diagram, but the
most important thing that VMS author left us here (in
astronomical and astrological parts) some ideas and even
explanation to which direction we should go first.
Especially there are 12 constellation on VMS pages.
Looks like all Zodiac constellation excluding Capricorn and
Aquarius (am I right?) are presented.
The next question will be – Why author is not used Capricorn
and Aquarius?
My significant assumption (as I noticed in the beginning – I
start the analysis from zero – to try to avoid any
stereotypes) was – because it is winter months for the area
where VMS author lived.
If so – why he excluded these two constellation from his
calendar?
That is the Pleiades and some of symbols
compilation slightly above.
In my opinion if Pleiades/Taurus is
identified, that means that the star
following Pleiades at slightly left
should be also recognized as Aldebaran
(α Tau, α Tauri, Alpha Tauri)

May be this winter months are useless for plans grow…
Again – not to many variants exists – most probably it is a
lunar calendar important for plants grow and usage…
How to confirm that? Let’s try to understood why Angus (part
of VMS page 70v and 71r) and Taurus (part of VMS page 71v and
72r) are presented twice.
My assumptions regarding pages with Angus the following:
- at that case it is the Capricorn images and not Angus
- There is a Latin caption above the Capricorn images
telling us – “Abril”(clear – April)
- Capricorn on both images eating something (on the first
page smaller piece, on the next bigger).
- If we will check the lunar calendars we will find that
that means - the required and important period is starts
or ends in a case if the Moon in April moves to Capricorn
constellation. The most important is to fit in the
described Moon phases and probably in specific days which
probably corresponds with ground “hills” where hoofs of
Capricorn are located.
I am not analyzed the 2 x Taurus pages (no doubts – it is
definitely Taurus, but principles are the same).
One more interesting page – it is an image of Cancer
constellation. It consist of two cancers – red and white. I
don’t know that it exactly means but it may help also with
further VMS date analysis – the red cancer can symbolize the
full lunar Eclipse with the specific feature – red color of
Moon.
The white cancer color can also be counted as some events with
Sun… It is just an idea for further investigations.
Now let’s come back to the VMS page 68r and read what are
telling us captions for Pleiades and for Aldebaran.

Fig. 76 Image of Pleiades caption from the VMS page 68r.
Fig. 77 Image and caption of Aldebaran from the VMS page 68r
I guess it will be also interesting to know that the caption
for the “curve line” tells.
Fig. 78 Image and caption of “curve line” from the VMS page
68r
Let’s read it: “rind tre kea add”.
Maybe that means that the bark of the tree should be collected
and added...
You will find here a lot of simple words related to herbs and
trees, it growing and it usage. Like: “plant, grind, rin,
rina, herba, grid, grin, brid, brind, pla, apla, aplant,
ortea, cut” and so on…
There are a lot of interesting things for research in VMS, but
“Pl rina” or “Plo rina” - most probably –
means that rains are possible in that
period. Or – “you have to pour (to add
water to) your plants”.
“Pl tre and (or add) pl
rina” - one of possible
translations:
“Plant tree ad (or and)
apply water (?)’

I prefer to stop here and to leave all the rest for
specialists and professionals.
10. As an additional conclusion.
I only would like to point you attention to the quantity of
coding methods the VMS author are used and also I would like
to give you some ideas for further research (hopefully it will
be useful):
1)”simple” steganography using images with masked letters (for
example for last page VMS).
2)”modified” Trithemius steganography for main text. Modified
means: that author used not a single letters but commonly used
cognate words (“red”, “ort”, “as”, “key”, “ant” etc), special
symbol “o” which sets the rules how to read neighboring
symbols; arbitrary method for symbols combinations for phrases
constructions when even long phrases looks like a simple small
words; author not used the punctuation.
3) allegory images like on Fig.1 where main sign of the plant
required for your right chose is - the tree with double
trunk, but not it strange leaves or other parts. The second
sign can be red color or tree blood as VMS author meaning.
4) “inverted” colors – like in a case with sunflower (see VMS
page 33v). The middle part should be black or dark blue,
petals – yellow. It is a very nice trick to refocus your
attention from keys location to useless features and
desisions.
5) Latin letters scattered on the pages, like on the page 4r.
Let’s try to find all the letters on that page which gives you
word “AFTOR”. It is also allegory and for reading other hidden
text you need to use the instructions which are present on the
image on VMS page 57v. Unfortunately some pages to which
numbers links us the instruction are lost.
6) Same letters but in different colors (and scripts). You
should know which letter with which color should be used for
words construction. Same you need the instructions from VMS
page 57v.

7) Additional cipher for text coding on the last page of VMS
8) Special symbols like on the page 8v – in the right bottom
corner of the page.
It follows in some order - pages marked by special symbols:
8,16,24,32, 42, 58 etc. - you can find it by yourself.
My assumption that it also divides the calendar year for
certain periods important for growing and usage of plants.
9) Probably symbolic signs like on the page 11v - in the
middle of the left side of the page – which looks like “88”
10) Images of constellations for coding roman numerals as on
the last page of VMS
11) Images of nymphs - allegory of diseases.
12) Allegory images of human organs
13) Allegory images in astronomical and astrological parts
14) Allegory images in pharmaceutical part
15) Self developed numerals like on the page 57v in
combination of Arabic numerals.
16) Special traps or tricks for refocus your attention from
right decoding direction or may be some additional hints for
right interpretation of text like presented on the page 49v
(Arabic numerals vs VMS author created numerals).
The list above I guess is not completed and will be extended
by many other researchers.
11. References
1. Web-page of the library of rare books Benecke at Yale
University
http://brbl-dl.library.yale.edu/vufind/Record/3519597
2. Explanation how radiocarbon dating for VMS was done
http://voynich.nu/extra/carbon.html

3. Adobe Photoshop CS6, Ver.13.0x64,
s/n 91198133282129530221.
The following operations were performed for contrast
enhancement – autotone, autocontrast, automatic color
contrast& manually set contrast level 200.
4. Title page of “Steganographia”:
http://www.esotericarchives.com/tritheim/stegano.htm#chap7)
5. This image is available from the National Library of
Wales. You can view this image in its original context on
the NLW Catalogue https://www.llgc.org.uk/
6. https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Plantago_lanceolata
7. http://cms.herbalgram.org/herbalgram/issue100/hg100-feat-
voynich.html?ts=1460891881&signature=21a0ae15f974e2272f4e
ae8e74de52a5
8. http://www.phototimes.ru/image/brown-algae-fucus-
14841260/
9. http://stephenbax.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/Voynich-
a-provisional-partial-decoding-BAX.pdf
Remarks
i) All the assumptions, results and conclusions - are the
private opinion of author and it is the matter for further
detailed research and discussions.
ii) Regarding the conclusion concern VMS possible authorship of
John Dee and/or Edward Kelly, as well as concern to the
original name of VMS as a “Book of Dunstan” – it is based
on the list of evidences which are in total cannot be count
as coincidence. That is the matter for separate article.
iii) Regarding links between Tritemius “Steganographia” and VMS
(especially with of assumption of similarity of circle
diagrams on the Fig.52, 53, 55) – I would like to ask you
to do comparison by yourself using the assumption provided
and original sources if necessary. Note: that can turn you
to another direction like Magic of Salomon and so on which
is not corresponds with a tasks for current article.
iv) Some of samples of deciphering in were especially taken in
relation to different earlier publications of other authors

who claimed codes identification. I’ll try to add
corresponding links if possible.
v) I would like to apologize for any mistakes in the text
because of my poor English. I’m doing my best to improve