From Lazarus To Theophilus: How Manuscript Digitization Led To The - PowerPoint PPT Presentation

From Lazarus To Theophilus: How Manuscript Digitization Led To The Historical, Chemical, and Technological Understanding of Iron Gall Ink and Its Counterparts Meredith Oliver B.S. Pharmaceutical Sciences Sally McDonnell Barksdale Honors College Thesis Defense ~ April 23, 2015

Vercelli, Italy 2013 Fondazione Museo del Tesoro del Duomo

Multi-Spectral Imaging http://orgspectroscopyint.blogspot.com/p/basics-of-uv-visible-spectroscopy.html Purpose: • Preserve History • Reveal History Codex A

Vercelli Book - Ink � Vercelli Book – 10 th Century Old English Anthology 23 religious homilies � 6 poems � 6 folios are damaged � � Ink Fluorescence

Iron Gall Ink Properties Black • Acidic • Ingredients Tannic Acid • http://art-conservation.tumblr.com/post/63647753126/nedcc-lacing-from-iron-gall-ink-deterioration Iron Sulfate • Solvent • Binder •

Fermentation Process 10 polyphenols Tannic Acid: Gallotannic Acid Tannin Acylhydrolase Gallic Acid 1 polyphenol

Iron Gall Ink 1) Ink Appearance 2) Fluidity 3) Color Intensity Tannin Separation

Iron Gall Ink 100% Tannic Acid Heterogeneous - Dark � Globular Precipitates Discontinuous Fluidity � Faint Color � Gallotannic Acid Homogeneous Ink � Exceptional Fluidity � Rich Black Pigment �

Technology and Ink Composition UV-vis Spectrometer Micro-X-ray Fluorescence ? http://www.agilent.com/home http://ipch.yale.edu/x-ray-fluorescence-spectrometer Multi-Spectral Imaging

Comparing UV-vis & Multi-Spectral Ink Samples = UV-Vis Spectroscopy � Absorbance Data � Parchment Samples = Multi-Spectral � 360-940 nm – 16 photos � Grayscale Values �

Comparing UV-vis & Multi Spectral 0.6 0.5 Multi-Spectral Absorbance 0.4 Absorbance 0.3 0.2 UV-vis Absorbance 0.1 0 250 350 450 550 650 750 850 Wavelength (nm) Conclusion : Multi-Spectral Imaging System shows promise in revealing information regarding ink’s absorbance capabilities.

Vercelli, Italy 2014 Vercelli Book � ARTAX micro-XRF � Multi-Spectral Imaging

Micro-XRF : Vercelli Book Main Element: Calcium (Ca 2+ ) Lack of metal sulfates � No significant calcium concentration � decrease in the parchment http://theodoregray.com/periodictable/Tiles/020/s12.JPG Evidence suggests ink is plant based: 11 th century, tannin based inks � Lack iron sulfate component � Homogeneous quality – brown color �

Theophilus Ink Theophilus Presbyter: German Monk � � De Diversis Artibus http://turba-delirantium.skyrocket.de/biographien/theophilus_presbyter.ht m Dry thorn-tree wood for 2-4 weeks � Ferment bark for 8 days in water � Repeatedly boil water à thorn bark reduction � Wine is added as a secondary solvent � “Add a little atramentum” – carbon �

Digital Humanities Interdisciplinary Team Dr. Gregory Heyworth Keith Knox Dr. Roger Easton Michael Phelps Ken Boydston Ira Rabin & Oliver Hahn

Questions/Discussion