349. Again it is remarkable that the principal Latin system of divisions of the Acts, found in the Codex Amiatinus and, slightly modified, in other Vulgate MSS, is indicated by Greek numerals both in א (with large irregular omissions) and in B, but is otherwise unknown in Greek MSS and literature. The numerals were apparently inserted in both MSS, certainly in א, by very ancient scribes, though not by the writers of the text itself, Β indeed having antecedently a wholly different set of numerals. The differences in detail are sufficient to shew that the two scribes followed different originals: the differences of both from the existing Latin arrangement are still greater, but too slight to allow any doubt as to identity of ultimate origin. The coincidence suggests a presumption that the early home, and therefore not improbably the birthplace, of both MSS was in the West.
350. The other systems of divisions marked in Β and א have not hitherto yielded any trustworthy indications; and, what is more surprising, the same must be said of the structure and contents of the MSS themselves. It might have been anticipated that in order to ascertain the regions in which they were written it would suffice to observe what books they do or do not include, and in what manner the books are arranged, account being taken of the Old as well as the New Testament. But the attempt is baffled by the scantiness of our information. Comparison with the few extant catalogues and other evidence of local use in the fourth century leads only to ambiguous results; and the difficulty of decision is increased by the wide differences of structure and arrangement between Β and א, and again between both and A.
