The subtle smell that exudes the pages of worn volumes stored in the library or second-hand bookstore charms and beckons. But what is the secret of his attractiveness?
Why do old books smell?
The specific aroma of time-worn books appears due to the decomposition of chemical compounds used in the manufacture of paper. These are primarily cellulose fibers and lignin, which holds them together and fills the voids.
Interesting fact: it is thanks to the presence of lignin that the pages of ancient books look yellowish and friable.
Lignin is a natural polymer compound found in the vascular cells of some plants. This substance is very labile, easily interacts with chemicals or the environment.
Under the influence of oxygen, lignin decomposes into acids that destroy cellulose fibers. The process is inevitable, although a large amount of lignin is removed in the production of strong and durable paper. This is due to the fact that the polymer negatively affects the paper-forming properties of cellulose.
What do old books smell like?
The unique smell is formed by aromatic volatile substances that are formed during the decomposition of cellulose and lignin:
- benzoic aldehyde gives an almond note;
- vanillin forms a vanilla tint;
- ethylbenzene and toluene give sweetness;
- 2-ethylhexanol fills the space with floral chords;
- furfural smells of rye bread.
In the chemical composition of the aroma that you want to inhale again and again there are other compounds. Graduate student Cecilia Bembairo conducted a series of studies at University College London to identify the smell of books. Based on the data obtained, a catalog of notes was compiled. Surprisingly, pages yellowed from time to time smell like chocolate, coffee, mothballs, fresh herbs and even worn socks! The range of source chords is so diverse that the researchers created a wheel of aromas of an old book.
Interesting fact: furfural concentration indicates the age of the paper the book is made of. Samples published after the 1800s emit more of this aldehyde than earlier publications.
Why do you like the smell of old books?
Many people like the scent of old books. According to Heritage Science magazine, the results of a study in which several hundred people were asked to smell old books surprised the public. So, 100% of the subjects noted strong woody notes; 86% noticed smoky chords; 71% felt earthy overflows, and 41% admired the vanilla tones. At the same time, almost 70% liked the smell, 14% found it moderately pleasant, another 14% - neutral, and only 2% of the volunteers noted that the aroma was unpleasant.
Interesting fact: according to the idea of the famous second-hand book dealer Karl Lagerfeld, the eminent perfumer Geza Schoen created an unsurpassed aroma that smells of old pages. The maestro came up with a custom design of cardboard packaging in the form of a drop-down volume on his own.
The smell of old books excites the imagination and makes it possible to imagine people who previously touched the pages.That is why scientists are trying to decompose the fragrance into molecules in order to immerse themselves in the atmosphere of the past, if necessary. This is true, for example, when holding exhibitions in a museum or real recreation of historical productions.
The real smell of old books that hovers in the library is impossible to repeat. It is formed by volatile compounds that are released as a result of the decomposition of cellulose and lignin - the main components of wood. Modern books will smell differently, because the lignin content is minimized in the chemical composition of modern paper.
