The codex contains a complete text of the four Gospels on 233 parchment leaves (size 21.9 cm by 15.4 cm). The writing is in one column per page, 22-23 lines per page.[2]
The text is divided according to the κεφαλαια (chapters), whose numerals are given at the margin, and the τιτλοι (titles of chapters) at the top of the pages. There is a division according to the Ammonian Sections, and some references to the Eusebian Canons. The number of Ammonian Sections and κεφαλαια are varies from what is usual.[3][4]
It contains the Epistula ad Carpianum, Prolegomena (added by a later hand), tables of the κεφαλαια (tables of contents) are placed before every Gospel. There are barbarous headpieces to the Gospels.[4]
It contains lectionary markings at the margin, incipits, (Synaxarion and Menologion added by a later hand), subscriptions at the end of each Gospel, with numbers of στιχοι, and pictures of the four Evangelist.[3]
The manuscript was held in the Karakalou monasteryatAthos peninsula. In 1837 Robert Curzon, Lord Zouche, brought this manuscript to England (along with the codices 547-550).[4][3] The entire collection of Curzon was bequeathed by his daughter in 1917 to the British Museum, where it had been deposited, by his son, since 1876.[7]
The manuscripts was added to the list of the New Testament minuscule manuscripts by F. H. A. Scrivener (538) and C. R. Gregory (551).[4] Gregory saw it in 1883.[3]
The manuscript was examined by Scrivener, Dean Burgon, and Gregory.[3]
^ abcAland, K.; M. Welte; B. Köster; K. Junack (1994). Kurzgefasste Liste der griechischen Handschriften des Neues Testaments. Berlin, New York: Walter de Gruyter. p. 79. ISBN3-11-011986-2.
S. Emmel, Catalogue of Materials for Writing, Early Writings on Tablets and Stones, rolled and other Manuscripts and Oriental Manuscript Books, in the Library of the Honourable Robert Curzon (London 1849).
