Abstract
Discoloured spots in 20 books dating between 1568 and 1902 were examined visually and by stereoscopic examination. Selected spots were examined by SEM and for EDX elemental analysis. The purpose was to determine if a nomenclature based on visual and stereoscopic non-destructive analysis was possible. It was possible to design a nomenclature based on surface appearance, shape, and colour. The following nomenclature is suggested: irregular fungal fox spot, circular fungal fox spot, irregular contemporary fungal spot, circular contemporary fungal spot, corroded iron spot, metal particulate spot, calcium particulate spot and protein spot. The commonest spots are “irregular fungal fox spots” and “corroded iron spots”. Viability tests on 114 irregular fungal fox spots from one book, dating 1854, showed that the fungal structures were not viable thus SEM analysis of 84 irregular fungal fox spots was undertaken to determine the distribution and to identify the causative species present. There were mainly two species which were identified by their conidia size, shape and ornamentation. The two species are probably Eurotium spp which are xerophylic species. They are the causative fungal species in irregular fungal fox spots. The two species were distributed randomly throughout the pages in the book suggesting contamination during the paper or book making process.
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