De ce mirosim cărțile? Explicația științifică din spatele acestui gest

The pleasant smell of books, both old and new, is linked to the release of volatile organic compounds as paper degrades. Researchers have studied this phenomenon, associating scents with historical experiences and cultural heritage. The Historic Book Odour Wheel categorizes these smells, helping conservators assess a book's condition without opening it. While some scents indicate degradation, others, like musty odors, signal damage from moisture. Techniques exist to mitigate unpleasant smells, but care is needed to avoid damaging the books further.