A METHOD OF MAKING PAPYRUS AND FIXING AND PRESERVING IT BY MEANS OF A CHEMICAL TREATMENT.

About 150 authors have produced sheets of papyrus, but they have not been able to reach the degree of perfection achieved by the ancient Egyptians. The moment in its growth when the plant is picked effects the bonding properties of the fibers. A preliminary treatment by the Egyptians prevented destructive enzyme activity by the papyrus sap. The fixing property of aluminum sulphate was apparently known by the ancients. The appendix gives the method of making papyrus used by the author. Only the part of the papyrus stem which has grown submerged in water and is a yellowish white is used. The green outer covering is removed, and the stem is molded into a square section. 18-25 fibers are obtained from each stem, immersed in a solution of 2. 5% aluminum sulphate for 20 minutes, and placed wet on a linen cloth. Another layer is placed at right angles. Another linen cloth is placed and a cylinder is rolled over. The sheet is dried in the air and rolled again before it is completely dry. -- AATA