ABSTRACT
The medical commonplace book is the first folio by the word Fayreford written in a large textura hand. Similarly, the beginning of herbal is given an elaborate illuminated bar border on the top and gutter edges of the text block and a decorated three-line initial. In looking closely at British Library Harley MS 2558 and in particular the part of it written in the hand of Thomas Fayreford, need to draw on evidence that goes well beyond what emerges from examining the textual content alone. The second part and some item have been written in the same hand, that this hand is that of Fayreford. They are compiled on what they shall call the commonplace book principle that the compiler has allotted each heading its own share of blank paper or parchment and at different time's added memoranda to each section beneath its heading. MS 2558 is very much an exception and more to prized because of its rarity.
