X-rays reveal 1,300-year-old writings inside later bookbindings

The words of the 8th-century Saint Bede are among those that have been found by detecting iron, copper and zinc – constituents of medieval inkMedieval manuscripts that have been hidden from view for centuries could reveal their secrets for the first time, thanks to new technology.Dutch scientists and other academics are using an x-ray technique to read fragments of manuscripts that have been reused as bookbindings and which cannot be deciphered with the naked eye. After the middle ages manuscripts were recycled, with pages pasted inside bindings to strengthen them. Those fragments may be the unique remains of certain works. Continue reading...

Source: Guardian Unlimited Science - June 4, 2016 Category: Science Authors: Dalya Alberge Tags: Books Culture Science World news Netherlands Europe Source Type: news