Permanence/Durability of the Book-VII. Physical and Chemical Properties of Book Papers, 1507 - 1949.

In 1975 the W. J. Barrow Research Laboratory, Inc., under the sponsorship of the Council on Library Resources, began a series of studies on the chemical and physical properties of book papers between 1507 and 1949. Their testing and review of the literature were concerned with book paper durability and permanence, reasons for decline in durability, methods for predicting paper durability, specifications for durable paper, processing changes needed to produce such paper, and work necessary to preserve weak papers. A history of paper production along with chemical tests showed the reasons for decreased durability; and the feasibility of producing durable paper was demonstrated. Restoring deteriorating books has also proved possible, but at a high cost. A bibliography, testing details, and the table have been included. (LS)