Vertical decomposition

The Voynich script lends itself to a consistent three part vertical decomposition. It can be conceived in terms of altitude. Some glyphs sit at the GROUND level and extend no higher. Others extend into a higher level, a PLATEAU marked by the horizontal lines of some glyphs, especially the so-called "benched" glyphs. Then, the select group of gallows glyphs extend yet higher to a third level, the PEAK.

All the regular Voynich glyphs fit within this schema. The Voynich text is easily mapped against this schema, as we see in the following examples.

Moreover, the schema is natural and implicit in the very design of the glyphs. Obviously, the gallows glyphs are taller than the others by design. That is their point of differentiation. The PLATEAU level is clearly marked by the "benching" of certain glyphs and by the ligatures of others. We are not imposing this scheme upon the script. It is natural to it. Indeed, it is natural to Latin, Greek and many other scripts: in the Voynich script it is plain to see.

In previous posts to this blog I have assessed the Voynich map in terms of altitude. Here I am making a parallel observation about the Voynich script and glyphs.

R. B.