silk
The elastic, hygroscopic protein fiber produced by
the larvae of many species of moth of the natural
order Lepidoptera the most important of these
being the Bombyx moths, and especially Bombyx mori
(the silkworm or mulberry worm). Raw silk threads
consist principally of sericin and fibroin, which
are proteins containing carbon, nitrogen,
hydrogen, and oxygen but not sulfur. Silk is
widely used in spinning thread and weaving
fabrics, and is used in bookbinding for sewing,
for doublures, for covering books (generally
embroidered bindings), and in the repair of torn
leaves, etc. Silk as a covering material is
somewhat extravagant, particularly since books
covered with it usually must have boxes to protect
them, as it does not wear well and is particularly
susceptible to deterioration in natural light.
Silk used for doublures, however, is protected
from the deteriorative effects of light and air
and often out-lasts the covers. See also: JAPANESE SILK ;MOIRÉ BOOK
CLOTH ;SEWING
THREAD ;SILK
GAUZE ;SILKING
;SILK-SCREEN
PRINTING :SILK-SCREEN PRINTS
;WATERED SILK .
(81 , 143 , 280 , 335 )
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