Wood Pulp Paper

Wood pulp paper is a modern material that dates back to the 19th century. The inexpensive wood pulp used to make some 19th, 20th and 21st century papers has a high acid content and short cellulose chains. This type of paper may also include lignin, an acidic component of wood pulp that promotes acid degradation including embrittlement and discoloration. The map shown cracked down the center after having been folded in half. It has been mended and encased non-adhesively in an inert clear polyester sleeve for safe handling, but the damage caused by the "inherent vice" of the materials used to make this paper is irreversible

Pieces of wood hold down a ripped old map.
Cracked Map

Photo by Melina Avery

A cracked old sheet.
Cracked Endsheet

Photo by Melina Avery