Paper 55
In one of these, the Raspail test, a drop of concentrated sugar solution is
added to the paper, blotted off after 1–2 min and a drop of concentrated
sulfuric acid is added. Rosin gives a red colour.
Two types of traditional sizes, namely starch and glue (protein), can be tested
for, and the tests are also used for identification of adhesives on paper artefacts.
Starch can be detected by placing a drop of iodine solution onto the area to be
tested, and a blue–black colouration reveals the presence of starch. There are
many tests for protein, but in the ninhydrin test a solution of ninhydrin in
methyl Cellosolve with a trace of surfactant is added to the paper that is then
heated in an oven at 100°C. A purplish stain indicates the presence of protein.
12 Conclusions
Paper is a complicated material. Besides lacking homogeneity on a macro-
and micro-scopic level, it contains many other materials such as image media
or paper constituents. It is not practical for the paper conservator to examine
all the components and properties of a paper object before it is treated.
However, experience of treating a wide variety of paper objects and knowl-
edge of the properties of paper and associated materials enables the conser-
vator to achieve success. This same basic scientific knowledge enables the
conservator to communicate effectively with other conservation scientists
who can investigate problems outside the conservator’s area of specialisation.
It is hoped that this text has gone some way to providing this information.
References and Further Reading
B.L. Browning, Analysis of Paper, Marcel Dekker Inc., New York and Basel,
1997.
BSI: Recommendations for the storage and exhibition of archival documents,
BS5454: 2000, British Standards Institute, London.
BSI: Repair and allied processes for the conservation of documents – recom-
mendations, BS4971: 2002, British Standards Institute, London.
H. Burgess, Practical considerations for conservation bleaching, J. Int. Inst.
Conserv. – Canad. Group, 1988, 13 , 11–26.
G. Petherbridge, Conservation of Library and Archive Materials and the
Graphic Arts, Butterworths, London, 1987.
J.C. Roberts, Paper Chemistry, Blackie, Glasgow and London, 1991.
M. Strlicand J. Kolar, Ageing and Stabilisation of Paper, National and Uni-
versity Library, Ljubliana, 2005.
The journal Restaurator is an excellent starting point for reading about the latest
developments in paper conservation science. The Paper Conservator is similarly
useful but with a greater emphasis on practical treatments and case studies.