Silas Thorne
"As the editorial lead, Silas focuses on the philosophical balance between preserving a book's historical authenticity and ensuring its structural integrity. He writes extensively on the ethics of aqueous deacidification and the long-term preservation of 17th-century artifacts."
Latest from Silas
This week's network picks focus on the chemistry of ink, the science of aging materials, and how to read the hidden history in old fibers.
A look at how historical detective work across different fields can help us understand the decay and preservation of 17th-century vellum.
This week's digest explores how experts read the physical clues left by time, from the chemistry of old ink to the way pressure changes materials.
This week, we look at how other experts save history, from cleaning old coins to fixing old magazines and building ancient tools.
Old books are chemically unstable. Learn how conservators use deacidification and specialized glues like Klucel G to stop 'slow fire' and save 17th-century artifacts.
Explore the mechanical engineering and chemical secrets that keep 400-year-old vellum books from falling apart.
From bone folders to linen thread, the tools of a book conservator are unique. We take a look at the specialized equipment used to rebuild 17th-century books without erasing their history.
Discover the hidden science behind saving 400-year-old books. From chemical baths that stop acid damage to specialized adhesives that strengthen brittle pages, learn how restorers keep history from crumbling.
From bone folders to custom-built presses, discover the specialized tools restorers use to fix fragile 17th-century vellum books without causing more damage.
Old books are chemical time bombs. See how restorers use calcium baths and specialized synthetic glues to stop 17th-century vellum from turning to dust.
Discover the hidden science of book conservation, from neutralizing acid in 400-year-old paper to using modern synthetic adhesives like Klucel G.
Ever wonder why old books look so wrinkly? It is all about the vellum. We look at the tricky science of fixing 400-year-old animal skin bindings and why it takes a steady hand and a lot of patience.
Restoring 17th-century vellum books is a slow, scientific art that uses bone tools, beeswax, and chemistry to save history from crumbling.
A look at the science and craft behind restoring 17th-century vellum books, from deacidification baths to the chemistry of reversible glues.
Restoring 17th-century vellum books isn't just about glue; it's about managing a material that behaves like living skin. Learn how experts use bone folders and custom presses to save history.
From hand-carved bone folders to the 'slow-motion hug' of a book press, explore the specialized tools used to rescue 17th-century books.
Restoring 17th-century vellum books is a delicate dance between historical craft and modern material science. Learn how experts use bone folders and special chemistry to save ancient texts.
Step inside a book conservation lab to see the specialized tools, from bone folders to 'liquid bandages' for paper, that save ancient texts.
Discover the science behind saving 400-year-old books, from neutralizing acids to using synthetic 'band-aids' that keep old vellum from crumbling.
Vellum is a living material that remembers its past. Discover the specialized tools like bone folders and custom presses used to tame and restore these 400-year-old animal skin bindings.
