Re: Recent discoveries of Pali MS from Afghanistan

Dear Mark,

> This reminds me, I meant to respond to comments on the list by Jim some
> time ago regarding the preparation of birch bark for writing.
> Unfortunately, we have not idea how the material was prepared for
> writing (e.g. whether it was treated with oils or some solution), how
> long it could be kept before use (obviously, the stuff can last for a
> thousand of years in the "brittle old manuscript" state), etc. We also
> have not yet investigated the nature of the inks used. But we do intend
> subjecting the manuscripts to further material analysis in the hope of
> learning more about these things.

I wonder if the sticky substance or pitch exuded by coniferous trees might
have been or could be used as a preservative in the preparation of birch
bark paper for writing. I don't know much about the properties of this
substance --- whether or not it is soluable in water or if it can be diluted
to a consistency where the birch bark won't stick together when rolled up or
stacked. Perhaps it could be used in an ink solution as well. The
aboriginals in North Anerica seem to have used the pitch in the construction
and repair of birch bark canoes.

Best wishes,
Jim