3 ms·
OP doesn't mention bacteria, only a gradual breakdown of paper and ink components. Bacteria might play a role in the breakdown, but I'm guessing that most of it
by kijin 8y ago
OP doesn't mention bacteria, only a gradual breakdown of paper and ink components. Bacteria might play a role in the breakdown, but I'm guessing that most of it is just a reaction with oxygen and moisture in the air. That is, unless the books are so damp that they literally rot away.
Chemicals can "infect" nearby objects, though, just like airborne bacteria. It's a well-known fact that the gas that comes out of a ripening apple causes nearby apples to ripen more quickly. Maybe a similar reaction can happen to books, especially if the breakdown products cause a change in acidity.
- meruru 8y agoSome of my oldest books had small roundish marks that come out if you vigorously wipe with a wet cloth. I'm pretty sure those must be bacteria living off organic matter from the paper.
- vokep 8y agoI imagine this is where the phrase "one bad apple ruins the whole batch" but it sounds like in practice, a good apple can also help get the whole batch ready, all the while getting old and tired. Not sure if there is any wisdom in that but it feels like it could have some. Something about teaching and getting old doing so?