Allie Alvis
Some green books are hiding a toxic secret: arsenic ☠️ Learn about what book historians and conservators know about arsenical books, and what to do if you have a green book (hint: don’t panic!) in the new episode of #BiteSizedBookHistory 📗 https://youtu.be/Z51mQPqqOuo
Poison Books?! Arsenic Green! | Bite Sized Book History

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Jan 24, 2023 at 3:52pmMastodon for iOS
Show threadAllie AlvisJan 24, 2023
Featuring sections on this fantastic Aldrovandi, with manuscript waste disguised by arsenical green paint (vergaut), which I identified at the Smithsonian Libraries…
Show threadAllie AlvisJan 24, 2023
And of course, the Winterthur Museum’s Poison Book Project 📗
Show threadDavid J. AtkinsonJan 24, 2023
@book_historia I really enjoyed this video. Great history and useful content too! As an undergrad years ago, I working in the Rare Book Room of the Hatcher Graduate Library at University of Michigan. I’m wracking my memory about whether I handled any green books. My job was to fetch books from the stacks for the docent/librarian who would handle the books for visitors. I recall THEY wore the white gloves. I did not. Eek.
Show threadAllie AlvisJan 24, 2023
@meltedcheese Library best practice today is generally NOT to wear gloves, unless working with something known to be hazardous 🙌 These green books are the exception to the “no gloves” rule 😂
Show threadA. Colleen JonesJan 24, 2023
@book_historia That's a little bit In the Name of the Rose! *spoiler* (sort of)
Show threadAllie AlvisJan 24, 2023
@acolleenjones I mention that in the video ;)
Show threadA. Colleen JonesJan 25, 2023
@book_historia Ha ha! I missed that. Just rewatching the video again now. So fascinating! I loooovvveee books!