Iron gall ink

I have read an article recently on ways to remove acid from iron
gall inks. On of the methods described was the use of an envelope
made of "Hollytex" and supporting the document in the envelope and
immersing in boiling water. The article does not mention the length
of time.

   "50-100% of the destructive (soluble iron II) ions are removed
    from the paper, as well as acids. Rag paper appeared stronger
    and more flexible after treatment"

I was wondering if anybody else knows of this method and the
results?

Richard Aitken
West Yorkshire Archives Service


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                  Conservation DistList Instance 15:58
                Distributed: Tuesday, February 19, 2002
                       Message Id: cdl-15-58-010
                                  ***