Paper analysis

The analysis of the paper components of the Baroque medicine chest in our collection includes determining the nature of the paper, its pH, and the quantity of glue employed. Already performed investigations have attested the presence of colored fibres, thus demonstrating that this is historical rag paper produced by hand. This type was made of imperfectly bleached textile materials, a technique in use until the 18th century, thus confirming the dating of the chest. The analysis of paper pH has not led to relevant results, as some samples were basic and other acidic, but this may be explained by the interaction of the paper covers with the medical preparations and the specific preservation conditions. Dr. Magó Andrea Beatrix has recently checked the type of paper glue. This test reveals the excessive, normal, weak or absent quantity of glue in the paper based on the absorption of a micro water drop during a set interval. The absorption times differed considerably, pointing again to the possible changes in the paper covers due to the interaction with the contents of the containers, or the possible use of different types of paper when such covers were replaced (the change in content required the change of cover, as it required new inscriptions).