TED-ED: The world's most mysterious book - Stephen Bax

The Voynich manuscript, housed at Yale University, is a 240-page book from around 1420, filled with mysterious text and illustrations. Discovered by Wilfrid Voynich in 1912, its language remains undeciphered. Theories suggest it could be a cipher, a hoax, or an unknown script. Recent carbon dating and historical research have traced its origins back to the early 17th century. Despite ongoing efforts, the manuscript's true meaning and purpose remain elusive.

What is the primary reason the Voynich manuscript is considered a mystery?

• No one can decipher its text.

• It is written in a known language.

• It contains detailed maps of unknown lands.

• It was found in a hidden cave.

Which of the following is NOT a theory about the Voynich manuscript's text?

• It is a known language.

• It is an unknown script.

• It is a hoax.

• It is a secret code.

What characteristic of the Voynich manuscript's language suggests it might be real?

• It contains no punctuation.

• It is written in invisible ink.

• It has consistent letter patterns.

• It uses only vowels.

Which historical figure is speculated to have written the Voynich manuscript?

• Galileo Galilei

• Roger Bacon

• Leonardo da Vinci

• Isaac Newton

What recent scientific method helped shed light on the manuscript's age?

• DNA analysis

• Carbon dating

• X-ray imaging

• Magnetic resonance