Doctor of Ancient Books

Training Talents and Improving Techniques

Now his group comprises around 20, most of them young people. “There are four people over 50-year-old, including myself, 13 young people under 35, and we also have eight young graduates,” he explained. Two of them have a bachelor’s degree, and the rest have a master’s degree or above, in disciplines such as chemistry, physics, and the preservation of old books. According to Du, the group’s structure is more balanced than before. “The restoration of ancient books is in fact an interdisciplinary science, one must have a good knowledge of not only classical Chinese culture, but also basic sciences such as chemistry and physics,” said Du.

A well restored book.

The change with the times also influences restoration of ancient books. Thanks to scientific knowledge, young people are improving on the traditional techniques of their teachers. He said: “When I started in this business 40 years ago, we respected experience. For example, we measured the thickness of the paper by touching. But now, an instrument can easily measure the thickness and with great precision. “

During the interview, Du analyzes a piece of paper under a microscope. Through the enlarged image of the fiber, he immediately judged the state and structure of the paper. Without the microscope, it is a lot more complicated work.

Science and technology play increasingly important roles in the restoration of ancient books. Some books, damaged and acidic, are like cancer patients according to the “doctor” of old books. With traditional techniques, it only extends their life. But today, thanks to research in chemistry and material sciences, “doctors” may be able to find solutions to defeat this particular type of cancer.