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Application of Fourier transform Raman spectroscopy to the characterization of parchment and vellum. II—Effect of biodeterioration and chemical deterioration on spectral interpretation

✍ Scribed by Howell G. M. Edwards; Fernando Rull Perez


Publisher
John Wiley and Sons
Year
2004
Tongue
English
Weight
223 KB
Volume
35
Category
Article
ISSN
0377-0486

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✦ Synopsis


Abstract

Raman spectra of ancient parchment and vellum were recorded and used to characterize materials used in early mediaeval (10th century) and later works. These studies support work on the characterization of pigments used on historiated manuscripts and provide the basis for future studies of the interaction between pigments, binders and parchment or vellum. Examination of the undecorated parts of manuscripts or books has been undertaken to ascertain if there are traces remaining of the procedures used to prepare the materials; in several cases, there is spectroscopic evidence for the presence of sulfates and slaked lime, which were used in the preparation of vellums for scriptoria. The deterioration of vellums and parchments has been related to spectroscopic observation of changes in the protein CONH structures and to the chemical destruction of the CSSC bonds of cysteine. Band broadening resulting from the chemical reactions at these sites was analysed. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.