The University of Glasgow library is currently trying to understand the science behind why old books smell!
It is hoped that by understanding the chemical compositions of the smells given off by old books and other artefacts, its state of decay can be worked out which may help with conservation strategies. The three year Heritage Smells project also involves University College London, the British Library, the British Museum, the National Museum of Scotland, National Archives of Scotland, English Heritage and chemical detection company Owlstone.
For more on the story visit http://universityofglasgowlibrary.wordpress.com/2011/03/23/heritage-smells/
(I live for stories like this! lol)
Chris
www.ScotlandsGreatestStory.co.uk
Professional genealogical problem solving and research
http://twitter.com/ChrisMPaton
Researching Scottish Family History (New book)
Tracing Your Family History on the Internet (Even newer book!)
Hello Chris, I can quite understand that books have to be preserved but I just love the smell of old books so would hate it if they didn't smell at all:) From a very new follower and amateur family historian based in Ayr, Elizabeth
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