Difference between revisions of "Poison Book Project"
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==Arsenical Books List== | ==Arsenical Books List== | ||
| − | In the nineteenth century, not every book from the same edition would have been bound identically. Therefore, it is possible to have a book of the same edition listed below, but which is not bound in emerald green bookcloth. We provide this list of books that we have found to contain arsenic as a starting point from which other institutions and private collectors may consider their own collections. | + | In the nineteenth century, not every book from the same edition would have been bound identically. Therefore, it is possible to have a book of the same edition listed below, but which is not bound in emerald green bookcloth. We provide this list of books that we have found to contain arsenic as a starting point from which other institutions and private collectors may consider their own collections. |
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==Methodology & Results of Analysis== | ==Methodology & Results of Analysis== | ||
Revision as of 16:57, 2 February 2020
Melissa Tedone
The Winterthur Poison Book Project is an ongoing investigation initiated in April 2019 to identify potentially toxic pigments coloring Victorian-era bookcloth.
Analysis of decorated, cloth-case, publisher’s bindings at Winterthur Library revealed starch-coated bookcloth colored with “emerald green,” or copper acetoarsenite, an inorganic pigment known to be extremely toxic. This pigment’s popularity in England and the United States during the Victorian era is well documented. While the colorant was known to be widely used in textiles for home decoration and apparel, wallpaper, and toys, its use specifically in bookcloth has not been formally explored. Successful bookcloths were a closely guarded trade secret during the nineteenth century, limiting our current understanding of their materiality and manufacture. Conservation staff and interns at Winterthur Museum, Garden and Library conducted a survey of bookcloth pigments in order to correlate the presence of emerald green and other potentially toxic pigments with specific publishers and date ranges. The project initially focused on the library’s circulating collection, which poses a greater potential risk to patrons, and then expanded to include the rare book collection.
In December 2019, the Winterthur Library data set was further expanded in cooperation with The Library Company of Philadelphia, which has significant holdings of cloth-case publisher’s bindings.
Contents
General Handling Tips for Nineteenth-Century Cloth-Case Bindings
Nearly 40% of the nineteenth-century cloth-case bindings analyzed for this project, to date, contained lead in the bookcloth colorant. No matter what pigments or dyes may be present, it is best practice to avoid eating or drinking while handling these books. It is also best practice to wash hands after handling books, especially before eating or drinking.
Trends in Use of Emerald Green Bookcloth
Based on the data collected at Winterthur Library and The Library Company of Philadelphia, the following trends in the use of emerald green bookcloth have been identified:
- Vibrant green bookcloth covering the boards (front and back covers)
- Vibrant green or faded brownish bookcloth on the spine
- Gold and blind stamped decoration, often paired with gilt textblock edges
- English or American imprint
- Publication date between 1840s-1860
Safe Handling Tips for Arsenical Books
IN PROGRESS
Arsenical Books List
In the nineteenth century, not every book from the same edition would have been bound identically. Therefore, it is possible to have a book of the same edition listed below, but which is not bound in emerald green bookcloth. We provide this list of books that we have found to contain arsenic as a starting point from which other institutions and private collectors may consider their own collections.
Methodology & Results of Analysis
English-language books published between 1837 and 1900 align with the rising use of bookcloth on publisher’s case bindings, and were identified at Winterthur Library through the WinterCat OPAC. The first 200 books tested represented a range of vivid bookcloth colors. Thereafter, only books covered in green cloth were selected for analysis, in order to focus on arsenic and move through the collection more efficiently. X-ray fluorescence (XRF) was used to collect elemental information from bookcloths. When arsenic and copper were found together, Raman spectroscopy was used to confirm copper acetoarsenite. A total of 406 books from the Winterthur collection were analyzed, and ten were confirmed to contain copper acetoarsenite.
The Library Company of Philadelphia shelves its Americana collection chronologically according to imprint date. Volumes were selected for testing by visual scan of the shelves in the appropriate date range (1830s through 1900). Approximately 80 books bound in green bookcloth or with green paper onlays were tested using handheld XRF. Spectra and bibliographical data were saved for each volume which showed the presence of arsenic and copper. A total of 28 books from the Library Company collection were found to contain arsenic.
The University of Delaware Soil Testing Lab performed quantitative analysis on a destructive sample from one Winterthur Library volume and revealed the presence of significant levels of arsenic. Furthermore, quantitative analysis for arsenic on a dry cotton swab rolled across the surface of the bookcloth indicated that the bookcloth colorant is extremely friable.
Project Researchers
Lead Conservator: Dr. Melissa Tedone
Lead Scientist: Dr. Rosie Grayburn
Contributors:
- Emily Guthrie, Winterthur Library Director and NEH Librarian for Printed Books & Periodicals
- Jennifer Rosner, Head of Conservation, The Library Company of Philadelphia
- Meghan Abercrombie, Winterthur Intern
- Philip DePaola, Winterthur Intern
- Layla Huff, Winterthur Intern
- Sara Leonowitz, Winterthur Intern
Bookmark Designer:
- Karissa Muratore, WUDPAC Class of 2020
Consultant:
- Michael Gladle, Director of Environmental Health & Safety, University of Delaware
Further Reading
Disclaimer
Copyright 2024. This article describes conservation procedures and is meant to be used as exchange of technical information among trained cultural heritage conservators, and the procedures described herein should not be performed by anyone who is not a trained professional. Further, any advice, graphics, images, and information contained in this page is presented for general educational and information purposes, and to increase safety awareness in connection with the storage and handling of aged books that may contain toxic chemicals, such as arsenic. The storage, handling, and other safety tips included in this page are suggestions only and have been collected by the Poison Book Project of The Henry Francis du Pont Winterthur Museum, Inc. after consultation with scientists and other experts in the conservation field. None of the content in this page has been subjected to a formal peer review and is not intended to be medical or other expert advice or services, and should not be used in place of consultation with appropriate professionals. The information contained in this page should not be considered exhaustive, and the user should seek the advice of appropriate professionals.
In no event shall The Henry Francis du Pont Winterthur Museum, Inc. or its trustees, officers, affiliates, and employees, be liable for any liability, loss, injury, or risk (including, without limitation, incidental and consequential damages, personal injury/wrongful death, lost profits, or damages) which is incurred or suffered as a direct or indirect result of the use of any of the material, advice, guidance, or services on this site, whether based on warranty, contract, tort, or any other legal theory and whether or not The Henry Francis du Pont Winterthur Museum, Inc. or any of its trustees, officers, or employees is advised of the possibility of such damages. THE HENRY FRANCIS DU PONT WINTERTHUR MUSEUM, INC., TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, DISCLAIMS ALL WARRANTIES, EITHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, STATUTORY OR OTHERWISE, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY, NON-INFRINGEMENT OF THIRD PARTIES’ RIGHTS, AND FITNESS FOR PARTICULAR PURPOSE.
