Basilean Manuscript

(CODEX BASILENSIS); the name of two important MSS. of the Greek Test. now in the public library of Basle. SEE MANUSCRIPTS (BIBLICAL).

1. An uncial copy of the Four Gospels, with a few hiatus (Lu 3:4-15; Lu 24:47-53, being wanting; while Lu 1:69-2:4; Lu 12:58-13:12; Lu 15:5-20, are by a later hand), usually designated as E of the Gospels (technically K, 4:35; formerly B, 6:21). It is written in round full letters, with accents and breathings, one column only on the page, with the Ammonian sections; but, instead of the Eusebian canons, there is a kind of harmony of the Gospels noted at the foot of each page by a reference to the parallel sections in the other evangelists. This MS. appears to belong to the eighth century, and the additions of a subsequent hand seem to indicate that they were made in the ninth century. It appears that it was formerly used as a church MS. at Constantinople, and it may be considered to be one of the best specimens of what has been called the Constantinopolitan class of texts. It was presented to a monastery in Basle by Cardinal de Ragusio in the fifteenth century. Wetstein collated this MS., and this was also done (independently) by Tischendorf, Muller of Basle, and Tregelles. It has never been published in full. — Tregelles, in Horne's Introd., new ed. 4, 200; Scrivener, Introduction, p. 103 sq.

2. A cursive MS. of the entire N.T. except the Apocalypse, numbered 1 of the Gospels, Acts, and Epistles (technically designated as K, 3:3; formerly B, 6:27). It was known to Erasmus, who, however, used it but little, although his associates thought highly of it. It was for a considerable time in the possession of Reuchlin, who borrowed it from the Dominican monks at Basle: the latter received it from Cardinal doe Ragusio. Wetstein was the first who thoroughly examined it; he used it with great commendation at first, but afterward disparaged it. The reason for these discordant opinions is doubtless to be found in the character of the MS. itself, which differs greatly in the several portions. The Acts and Epistles contain a text of no great importance; but the text of the Gospels (now bound at the end of the vol.) is very remarkable, adhering pretty closely to the oldest class of uncials. The last has recently been collated (independently) by Tregelles and Dr. Roth. There are 38 lines in each page, elegantly and minutely written, with breathings, accents, and iota subscripts, and a few illuminations. It has, apparently on good grounds, been assigned to the tenth century. Codex 118 of the Bodleian Library seems to be a copy from it. — Tregelles, ut sup. p. 208 sq.; Scrivener, p. 142.