The Murray Pease Report

Abstract

Though infrared spectroscopy is the single most powerful technique for the characterization of materials and though it is widely used in the chemical industries, its application to conservation has been severely limited due to the complexity and limited sample size of the materials presented for examination. In the past decade, the development of infrared Fourier transform spectroscopy has made possible the study of small samples and complex mixtures. The technique of infrared Fourier transform spectroscopy is compared to conventional infrared spectroscopy with reference to spectra of paper, egg yolk, albumin, madder, Indian yellow, purpurin, alizarin, indigo, and linseed oil.     

INFRARED MICROSPECTROSCOPY FOR THE ANALYSIS OF OLD PAINTING MATERIALS

Abstract

The Perkin-Elmer infrared microspectrometer consists of a basic, double-beam spectrometer M 13, on which a microscopical system model 85 with reflecting optics can be mounted. The microspectrometer can be used only for single-beam measurements. Pressed in a KBr-pellet, with a radius of 0·5 mm, the amount of sample of a pure material can be decreased to 2 μg. A sample with different paint-layers can be embedded in a wax with little infrared absorption and can be cut with the help of a microtome in slices with a thickness of 20 μ. Every paint-layer can be measured separately by means of an adjustable diaphragm in the microscope. A sample area of 37·5 ? 500 μ is sufficient to obtain an identifiable spectrum.     

Detection and Identification of Waxes,Including Punic Wax,by Infra-red Spectrography

Abstract

Algal and cyanobacterial growth occurring on the plaster-covered interior walls of the church of St Stephanus at Pilsum (northern Germany) has been studied. A Mobile Ultra Violet Unit (MUVU) has been successfully applied to the church walls in order to control growth of photosynthetic organisms. The killing effect of the UV-light on the flora has been demonstrated by the following methods: (1) infrared photography, (2) quantitative chlorophyll determinations, (3) transmitted light microscopy, (4) scanning electron microscopy and (5) plate counts. It was demonstrated that the MUVU method is efficient and cheap. The construction and operation of the MUVU is easy. Assessment of the efficiency of the process can be carried out without complicated chemical or biological analyses, by using IR-photography.     

A NOTE ON THE CLEANING OF SHELL INLAY ON ETHNOGRAPHICAL SPECIMENS FROM OCEANIA

Abstract

Problems were encountered when preparing objects from the Pacific islands for exhibition. These specimens were of wood with shell inlay. Cleaning with non-ionic detergent and distilled water had no effect on the dull shell surface; solvents were little better;finally, glass fibre brushes were tried with very good results. Precautions should be taken when using glass fibre brushes; these include the wearing of protective gloves, dust masks, and the provision of a vacuum cleaner to remove fragments of broken glass fibre and dust from the shell surface.     

Fabrics for the twenty-first century: As artist canvas and for the structural reinforcement of easel paintings on canvas

Abstract

The requirements for, and assessment of, suitable fabrics for artist canvas and for the structural reinforcement of easel paintings on canvas are presented. Crucially, the aesthetic and kinaesthetic, as well as physical properties of the canvas fabrics have been taken into account. To evaluate the fabrics the following properties were measured: stiffness, ultimate tensile strength, moisture response, crimp, drape, and lustre. Fabrics investigated include cotton, linen, polyester, polyamides, and carbonized fibres. Although polyester is yet to match linen or cotton kinaesthetically or aesthetically, overall it exhibits the best combination of properties. However, the results have shown that even when raw fibre material has suitable properties the finished woven fabric may not. This is because of the strong influence of the woven geometry on the final behaviour. It has been found that drape and lustre are very good properties to quantify some aspects of the feel and look of fabrics, in the context of conservation, and to provide a common language to ensure that the specification incorporates these aspects.     

Developing Proactive Partnerships

Summary

Enhancing diversity programs and initiatives has been a challenge for higher education and academic libraries. Financial constraints at colleges and universities have made it essential to develop academic partnerships with other departments on campus to exchange ideas and combine resources. One academic diversity program, which has been around for approximately 30 years, is Minority Cultural Centers. Minority Cultural Centers provide an invaluable support service for minority students. This article provides background and current knowledge about Minority Cultural Centers and obstacles these centers face as we head into the 21^st century. A sample proposal, outreach ideas and marketing strategies will help librarians get started into developing a long lasting relationship with Minority Cultural Centers.     

The potential of portable TV holography for examining frescoes in situ

Abstract

The authors describe the application of TV holography, also known as electronic speckle pattern interferometry (ESPI), to the examination of wall paintings. The equipment usesfibre-optic illumination and a solid-state camera connected to a computer. Images made after the wall painting has been warmed slightly with an infrared lamp are compared with reference images; differences in the speckle pattern can be used to identify cracks and subsurface detachments. The system is robust and portable, allowing it to be used for the in situ investigation of wall paintings, including those exposed externally. It can also be used to monitor the condition of the work of art over time and to evaluate the success of any treatment.     

Preliminary evaluation of compressed air membrane dryers for exhibit case desiccation

Abstract

An exhibition case displaying ancient bronzes was found to have a high leak-rate and was subject to a variety of environmental factors. Because of the original case design, passive means of control were not proving effective. A simple, low-output (below 28l.min^?1) drying system based on hollow fibre (polysulfone) technology was tested and installed in the case to maintain the microenvironment below 43% relative humidity (RH). The membrane was tested below industrially-specified pressure parameters (less than 4 bar) and found to produce a range of consistent RH outputs suited to museum use. After some years in service, the system has proved reliable and simple to operate; optimum performance was achieved with more continuous operation.     

MAKING THE FIBRE GLASS REPLICA OF THE SUTTON ROO SHIP IMPRESSION

Abstract

It was decided to make a replica from the plaster mould of the Sutton Hoo ship impression using polyester resin reinforced with glass fibre matting and paper rope. For easy storage and transportation the replica was cast in twenty-five sections which could be bolted together. The problem of supporting these and preventing them from sagging or twisting out of shape was solved by using eighty accurately measured leg attachments fixed to the underside of the cast.     

Investigation and conservation of Anne Marie Carl-Nielsen's wax models

Abstract

The Danish sculptor Anne Marie Carl-Nielsen (1863–1945) often prepared three-dimensional models in wax before producing her works of art. The Carl Nielsen Museum in Odense keeps a unique collection of around 200 of the artist's fragile wax models. In 2008 the entire collection was examined, documented, X-ray radiographed, photographed, and conserved. Analyses of five figurines by attenuated total reflectance-Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, optical microscopy, and scanning electron microscopy-energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy showed two different kinds of wax mixtures, one containing beeswax and potato or maize starch as filler, and the other consisting of gypsum, zinc stearate, and a greasy substance. During the examination a specific deterioration phenomenon was noticed in the areas where the wax models had been strengthened with internal metal armatures. A chemical reaction between the wax mixture and the copper containing armature has caused an intense greenish colouring of the wax as well as creating a soft and almost liquid consistency and formation of copper(II) carboxylate salts. Based on an original recipe from Anne Marie Carl-Nielsen, a replica of one of the wax mixtures was produced and examined with respect to its infrared spectrum and its modelling properties.     

A Spot Test for Zinc White

Abstract

A new spot test for the identification of zinc white (zinc oxide) has been developed, using a silver-chromate reagent that produces a bright red colour. The nature of this red compound has been studied using both chemical and instrumental techniques. It has been found to be formed by chromate adsorption on the zinc oxide surface, and a tentative formula for the complex is given.     

ATR-FTIR as a tool for assessing potential for chemical ageing in Spandex/Lycra®/elastane-based fabric collections

The Powerhouse Museum in Sydney, Australia houses the world's most significant and comprehensive collection of Speedo swimwear and accessories. The museum has identified a problem with the long-term storage of certain Spandex/Lycra^® items where the elastane fibre has degraded leading to oil formation. Attenuated total reflection Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR) determined that most of these garments were manufactured using nylon-elastane fibres, and the elastane component comprises polyetherurethane or polyesterurethane polymers. Certain polyesterurethanes are known to be vulnerable to hydrolysis, and this was confirmed for a subset of the collection using two chemical testing protocols, and a thermal testing protocol that reproduced the oil formation. A polyetherurethane garment in the collection was unchanged by these tests. The oil from the thermal testing was confirmed as a breakdown product of the polyester component of the elastane fibre, using ATR-FTIR spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry. The study demonstrates the value of ATR-FTIR for minimally invasive identification of elastane fabrics that may require specialized storage in a humidity-controlled environment.     

Copyright piracy on the university campus: Trends and lessons from the software and music industries

Abstract

In a 1996–7 survey of students at three public universities and one private liberal arts college, Chiang and Assane (2002) found that 53 per cent of the sample admitted to software piracy. Though this is a staggering percentage, over the past five years the public focus on copyright piracy among young technology savvy users, particularly university students, has shifted from software to music piracy via file sharing and CD reproduction. This paper studies the characteristics of these industries along with recent technological advances affecting them. We analyze how economic incentives to reduce piracy on the university campus have been successful for the software indus‐ try, and how the lack of such incentives in the music industry has caused a larger piracy issue today. Based on these findings, we discuss possible solutions to reducing music piracy on the university campus.     

Editorial

Abstract

Resinous substances from Egyptian XIIth Dynasty tombs were analyzed by highperformance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and diode array detection. The unambiguous identification of two samples with actual standards of myrrh and mastic (Pistacia lentiscus) is described. They are characterized by comparison of their chromatographic patterns, the UV spectra of the main constituents and infrared data.     

The Case for Curation: The Relevance of Digest and Citator Results in Westlaw and Lexis

Summary

This article addresses pricing questions raised by the 1996 acquisition of West Publishing Company by The Thomson Corporation by considering what happened to Lawyer's Co-op/Bancroft-Whitney treatise titles transferred to CB-C following the Thomson acquisition of Lawyer's Co-op. Although the sample of titles examined is small, it appears that price increases have been well above increases in the legal publications industry generally, and this suggests the need to monitor West titles carefully.     

Mid-wave Infrared Reflectography and Thermography for the Study of Ancient Books: A Review

ABSTRACT

In this paper an overview of recent applications of mid-wave infrared imaging techniques to the study of books is presented. Studies performed by thermography and mid-wave infrared reflectography are reviewed to demonstrate how they can be used to investigate the main features of books. The capability of these techniques is exploited in the analysis of structural elements of the bookbindings and writing supports as well as in the characterization of the writings and illuminations. Thermographic and reflectographic results are compared with results obtained using other imaging techniques operating in different spectral regions, thus pointing out how mid-wave infrared imaging techniques can help in examining many aspects of books. Finally, it is shown that the obtained information can also be used to evaluate the condition of the book and, when required, to properly plan conservation treatments.