Unlocking Medieval Manuscripts: Understanding Excipula

Excipulum (plural: excipula) is a term used in the context of medieval manuscripts and printing. It refers to a brief explanatory note or marginal comment that is added to the text of a book or manuscript to help clarify its meaning or provide additional information.

Excipula are typically found in the margins of the page, and they may be written in the hand of the scribe or printer who produced the text. They can take many forms, including brief glosses, citations from other authorities, or explanatory notes that elaborate on a particular point or concept.

The purpose of excipula is to help readers understand the text more fully and to provide additional context or information that may not be explicitly stated in the main body of the text. They can be particularly useful for readers who are unfamiliar with the subject matter or who need additional clarification on certain points.

In modern times, the term "excipulum" is not commonly used, and such notes are more likely to be referred to as "footnotes" or "endnotes." However, the concept of adding explanatory notes to a text remains an important part of scholarly publishing and research.