red decay
A type of deterioration of leather (bookbindings),
which generally takes two forms: 1) a hardening
and embrittling of the leather, which occurs most
often in leathers up to about 1830, i.e., books
published (or at least bound) up to that date, and
which is especially noticeable in calfskin
bindings; and 2) a powdering of the leather, which
can be so severe as to destroy it completely. This
latter deterioration appears to affect virtually
all leathers, and is apparently influenced by
several factors, including (possibly) the tanning
agent or agents used, light (ultraviolet
radiation), atmospheric conditions (air
pollution—sulfur dioxide), and, finally, how
frequently (or, more accurately, how infrequently)
the book is handled. See also: POTASSIUM LACTATE ;REDS ;VEGETABLE TANNINS .
(237 , 298 )
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