File:Scientific news for general readers; a popular illustrated weekly journal of science (1887) (14763869765).jpg

Identifier: scientificnewsfo11887lond (find matches)
Title: Scientific news for general readers; a popular illustrated weekly journal of science
Year: 1887 (1880s)
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Publisher: London
Contributing Library: Smithsonian Institution Libraries
Digitizing Sponsor: Biodiversity Heritage Library

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the combustion of impure coal-gas. The glossy surface by burnishing, and it is probable that thisstarchy mess furnishes a medium well filled for the spread ofa mould. Heat and foul air favour such growths, and mould,as well as sulphuric acid, forms rapidly in the upper air ofa hot room. Bad leather, without antiseptic treatment, aidedby a glaze due to starchy paste, will account for the decayof leather binding, whether gas is burnt or not; but it mustbe admitted that the products of combustion of impure gashasten the process in a startling degree. A reinedy for this evil exists. Books may be boundwithout extravagant cost, in a way which eftectually checksthe ravages both of gas and mould. Use no calf or russiaunder any circumstances. Bind valuable books, or such asare to endure much wear, in half-morocco and the rest incloth. See that the sheets are sewn, not upon strings, butupon broad tapes. Make each side of the cover of twogood millboards glued together, and pass the tapes between
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DIVING BELL WITH SrEAKLXG AITAR.VTUS. experience of many other sufterers tends to confirm Dr.Angus Smiths explanation, but it may be questionedwhether sulphuric acid is the sole destroyer of the leather inbooks and bookcases. To begin with, some books are much more rapidlyaffected than others. Ordinary glossy calf, law calf, andrussia perish first. Good morocco, lettered in gold (notDutch metal), will resist indefinitely ; and here and there acalf-bound volume is found to be uninjured, while its neigh-bours right and left have fallen to pieces. This exemptionof particular books suggests a destroying agent more selectivethan mineral acids. Moreover, it has been observed thatthe crumbly leather from the hinges of a decayed boundbook exhibits, when examined under the microscope, finefilaments, the thread or mycelium of a mould. The bookswhich perish most rapidly and certainly are those whichhave been coated over with a paste wash, in order to get a * Air and Rain, p. 52S, the boards. To

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