At first it was hoped it might be in Rabelais' own hand; afterwards that it might be at least a copy of his unfinished work.

The task was a difficult one, for the writing, extremely flowing and rapid, is execrable, and most difficult to decipher and to transcribe accurately.

Besides, it often happens in the sixteenth and the end of the fifteenth century, that manuscripts are much less correct than the printed versions, even when they have not been copied by clumsy and ignorant hands.

In this case, it is the writing of a clerk executed as quickly as possible.

The farther it goes the more incorrect it becomes, as if the writer were in haste to finish.
What is really the origin of it?
It has less the appearance of notes or fragments prepared by Rabelais than of a first attempt at revision.