Volume 37, Issue 1 -

In this paper we describe the use of a dual-wavelength near-infrared laser scanner (NILS) to reveal ink differences in a ninth century Boethius fragment. The scanning system worked at 680 and 780 nm excitation wavelength with a maximal resolution of 21 µm. Fresh images were recorded at both wavelengths and compared with others based on conventional methods, such as UV photography and infrared reflectography. Whereas the latter secured no new information for mapping and distinguishing via inks the layered genesis of the manuscript, images of the fragment based on infrared laser fluorescence revealed the different inks used to elaborate the manuscript. The method revealed and distinguished the respective inks used for glosses, other marginal notes, neumes and the main text. Furthermore, corrections and additions invisible under other types of light were discovered by NILS in combination with paleographic methods. The scope and limitations of NILS when used to investigate stained or faded reused parchment (Makulatur) and/or restored manuscripts are discussed in detail.

Fungal deterioration is one of the most serious risks for books and paper-based documents in archives. A wide screening for fungi contamination in historic books was conducted by the National Records and Archives, Tanta, Egypt. A large percentage (59.3%) of the screened books showed fungal contamination and deterioration. In this study, the fumes released by smoldering plant species were evaluated for their antifungal activity against isolated fungal species taken from historical documents. Most of the examined plant fumes showed strong antifungal activity as expressed by their minimal inhibitory relative amounts (MIRA), Cinnamomum verum bark and Tamarix nilotica leaves producing the most effective antifungal fumes. Paper samples inoculated with deteriorative fungi were free of fungal growth and viable spores after their exposure to smoldering fumes and incubation up to 28 days. The application of plant smoldering fumes can be recommended as an effective, natural and eco-friendly biocide which can be safely applied to paper based objects in historic libraries and archives.

In paper conservation, cyclododecane (CDD) is commonly used to waterproof water-sensitive inks and paints. In order to apply CDD over thin lines (such as those of drawings or signatures), conservators often use kistkas . While being a useful, convenient tool, the kistka does not always allow for a precise application of CDD. In this study, the influence of the CDD temperature on its tendency to spread through the paper-fibre web and its ability to waterproof water-sensitive materials were assessed. CDD was applied on four types of paper that were considered to be representative. During the tests, the temperature of a regular kistka was precisely controlled through an open-loop phase-control AC regulator. The test series showed that at a temperature of approximately 70 °C, CDD is very easy to apply precisely, yet its waterproofing effects are not very good; at approximately 90 °C, CDD is excellent at waterproofing, but is very difficult to apply precisely. While the ideal temperature may vary depending on the technical requirements of the artefact, it is important to stress that a variation of as little as 5 °C has a relevant influence on the applicability and waterproofing efficiency of melted CDD.

During the Taimurid (1370–1507 A.D.) and Safawid 1501–1736 A.D.) to Qajar periods (1785–1925 A.D.), Iranian masters introduced a number of paper dyes in order to prepare a suitable support for their calligraphies and paintings. This paper will discuss the different types of dyes and application techniques as described in Persian historical sources. Eighteen manuscripts from the thirteenth to the nineteenth century were selected and studied in detail; recipes were translated and categorized according to colour, materials and techniques in order to be able to draw comparisons. Studying these historical references not only adds a new dimension to the identification of materials used in manuscripts and miniature paintings of the period under study, but also can help to preserve the colours by providing a better understanding of their composition, manufacture and use.