Application of FT-Raman spectroscopy to the characterisation of parchment and vellum, I; novel information for paleographic and historiated manuscript studies.

Raman spectra of parchment and vellum have been recorded and used to characterise materials used in mediaeval (10th century) and later works. These studies support our work on the characterisation of pigments used in historiated manuscripts and provide the basis for future studies of the interaction between pigments, binders and parchment or vellum. Examination of the undecorated parts of the manuscripts or books has been undertaken to ascertain if there are traces remaining of the procedures used to prepare the materials; in several cases, there is spectroscopic evidence for the presence of sulphates and slaked lime, which were used in the preparations of vellums for scriptoria. In one 14th century cantoral, there is evidence for paper being used as backing on the verso side of the vellum, probably from an early repair.