Small, reddish-brown spots or patches generally seem on older paper, notably in books. This discoloration, usually accompanied by a musty odor, outcomes from the oxidation of iron and different compounds current within the paper pulp. The scale and distribution of those spots can differ, typically resembling the form of a fox’s pelt, which would be the origin of the time period.
Whereas usually perceived as a flaw, this pure getting old course of can contribute to a guide’s character and supply insights into its historical past and storage circumstances. Its presence would not essentially point out injury or fragility however is relatively a testomony to the paper’s natural nature and the passage of time. Understanding this course of permits collectors and guide homeowners to understand the artifacts of their possession extra absolutely. The presence, or absence, of this phenomenon may even affect a guide’s worth in sure gathering circles.
