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Trying to identify the ink binder...

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• Trying to identify the ink binder...

• Trying to identify the ink binder...

  kckluge > 3 hours ago

  So we knew from the original report and Joseph Barabe's Zoom talk the the ink binder isn't gum arabic
  
     
  
  Beyond saying, "Infrared spectroscopy identified the binding medium of the writing and drawing inks as a gum; see the reference spectrum for gum Arabic (Figure 1D). The spectra include several sharp peaks in the region 1100-1000 cm-1 that are not expected for a gum as per the spectra in our library. This suggests the possibility of other constituents, which remain unidentified as of this date. Most recipes for iron gall inks include gum, usually gum Arabic, as an ingredient." the report doesn't attempt to further identify which gum was used. 
  
  A number of sources including the physical findings essay in the Yale facsimile volume identify cherry gum as a substitute used for gum arabic in iron gall inks. Comparing the cherry gum FTIR spectum from You are not allowed to view links. Register or Login to view. with the spectrum from Sample 16 (drawing black ink) in the McCrone report, my (openly admittedly untrained) impression is that it looks like a credible candidate:
  
     
  
  Anyone interested in crowdsourcing trying to identify other candidates?
  
  You are not allowed to view links. Register or Login to view. may be of some help in narrowing down candidates.
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