Possibilities of technological analysis of historical papers in source-study investigation of monuments

Abstract

The attempt to present a generalized pattern of modern trends, methods and means of technological research of historical papers is undertaken in this work for the first time in Russian historiography. The border of “modernity” in technological research of paper-based historical documents is conventionally identified having regard to the breakthrough in evolution of techniques and their large-scale accessibility for investigation of archival and museum objects, that had started approximately in the mid-1990s. The ground of this publication is the review of the Congress Books of International Association of Paper Historians (IPH) published in the last 20 years. IPH is the most credible world organization in its field, the activities of which undoubtedly reflect the basic vectors of development of investigations in studying the history of paper, paper technology and paper production. This association is unique in the geographical scope of institutions and individuals as well as in the wide range of problems of the history of paper and technology being considered by its members. The article is intended primarily for source studying historians, whose work requires careful investigation of the paper of historical documents. Unfortunately, this category of experts in its overwhelming majority still does not have the necessary conception of the challenges and opportunities of modern technological investigation of historical papers. Nevertheless, information capacity of such investigation is significant, and the present-day source studying historian is just required to have at least general knowledge of it. This review focuses on correcting the existing situation in the information support for paper studying in the system of special historical disciplines. Refs 48.