old books

Factual Questions
1

what causes old book smell? and why do i like it? is there a way to be rid of it?

2

“Old books” is a remarkably large set of books. As a general answer, there have been thousands of different methods of making paper over the centuries, and each has a different level of quality. Paper prior to 1900 was generally produced by mashing some sort of plant fiber to a pulp. Said plant fiber does eventually decay, and like most decaying stuff it produces a smell.

Here’s some resources on historics paper production, if you’d like to have a look:
http://www.ipst.gatech.edu/amp/general/museum_other_sites.htm

And various paper mills at various places have been preserved and turned into museums, so check tour guides and you might find one.

3

If you like it, why do you want to be rid of it?

4

Answers in order:

  • Mold, mildew, crumbling paper, and glue. Old paper was often made from linen using an acid-free process; much modern paper is made from wood pulp broken down with some kind of acid and not completely neutralized.

  • You like it because of your good taste. Or maybe that addiction so many SDMB folks share. :cool:

  • Again, why get rid of it?

5

It activates my asthma. Too bad, too, because I do love the smell.

–Cliffy