It’s not necessary to wear gloves when handling s, but it is important to wash your hands so that they’re clean. If you suffer from cracked skin in cold weather, wearing well-fitting nitrile or vinyl gloves might be a good idea.
In some cases, wearing gloves can also protect you if you suspect the you have might contain hazardous materials such as bright green arsenic pigments that were common in the 19th century. It’s important not to handle objects while wearing hand cream. And whether your hands are gloved or not, don’t touch your face before handling the , or lick your fingers to help turn the page for your own health as well as that of the .
Rare s are more than literary artefacts. They are unique windows into the past. By understanding what makes a rare and how to preserve it, we can safeguard these treasures for future generations to enjoy.
Header image: Sermons by Guilelmus Peraldus, a 15th-century copy from the Museum of London’s special collections. (ID no.: 46.78/1)
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