[Ansteorra] Paper

[Wyllow]

Alum was definitely available throughout our time period, and I'd be surprised if they didn't use it for paper, since they were using it for fibers & leather - I think I could dig up a reference to the ancient Egyptians mining it, then the Romans, then whoever owned the mines next.

Unfortunately, most of my books are currently in Maelgwyn's house, so I can't give you the exact quote.

Willoc mac Muiredag, Dyer

On Feb 11, 2011, at 2:00 PM, ansteorra-request at lists.ansteorra.org wrote:

> Subject: Re: [Ansteorra] Paper
> 
> In order to size it, yes, they used gelatine, where you basically boil
> vellum or leather shavings, and then dip your waterleaf paper into the
> hot size. Sometimes they added alum as well, although I think that
> particular ingredient is post-period for us.
> 
> Then you get to press it, dry it, press it again, and then rub or
> hammer it if you planned on writing on it. If it was destined for the
> printing presses, they wouldn't bother to rub/hammer it, since the
> surface treatment wouldn't survive the printing process.
> 
> -Deanna