Paper Conservation: Decisions & Compromises

Fig. 2: Chromatogram of the first Sample showing the presence of luteolin and apigenin (or genistein)
The third sample was undyed and from the same
book which appeared to show a peak for luteolin
at m/z 285, retention time 5.82, this was unexpected,
and however, the apigenin or genistein
peak was not observed in the undyed sample.
3.3. Results from the microbial study, by using
Cork Borer technique
Clear zones of inhibition were observed on the
agar plates containing the three chosen strains
of bacteria after incubation around the punched
hole containing safflower dye solution made
from a traditional recipe and including lemon
juice (Fig. 3). The diameter of the clear zones was
measured.
4. Discussion
4.1. Four yellow natural dyes (turmeric, weld,
safflower and saffron) were selected for special
study because of the prevalence of yellow dyed
endpapers in Egyptian medieval manuscript
books (Fig. 4), noted during extensive handling
of collections and because their application was
widespread during most historical periods (Baker
1995; Loveday 2001; Graaff 2004; Cardon 2007).
To date, there is no conclusive evidence from
primary texts, modern scientific publication or
any other explanation as to whether yellow dyes
Fig. 3: Cork borer test for the effect of safflower dye against
Bacillus subtilis grown on nutrient agar medium
were used for any specific purpose.
In the Islamic mediaeval era, papermakers were
producing paper ranging in colour from cream
to dark cream and either grey or off-white in
tone according to its production inputs, there is
no record of colour being added to the pulp in
ICOM-CC Graphic Documents Working Group Interim Meeting | Vienna 17 – 19 April 2013
63