Note 5 — II THE MODERN AUTOGRAPH COLLECTOR AND HIS EQUIPMENT

Dr. Scott says: "Various suggestions have been offered for the restoration of vanished writing and of ink which has faded, such as a solution of sulphide of ammonium washed over the writing, previously moistened with water or a decoction of nut-galls, but great care must be exercised so as not to injure valuable documents. Indeed, I cannot too often repeat the warning that the less autographs are manipulated or altered from their original state the better. The way in which so many fine old letters have had their margins trimmed to remove the ragged edges years ago is a dreadful eye-sore to the collector, who, of course, likes to see the sheets of paper of the proper orthodox size, with large spaces around the writing. Damping the ink should, if possible, be carefully avoided, for there is something precious and inimitable in the fine, indescribable tint which age alone gives to writing."