CHOICE OF PAPER,
that is, to determine on the Size of the Work. This is a question which will generally be decided by what is customary. If a work of Fiction, the size will be what is called Post 8vo. If Historical or Scientific, Demy 8vo. If Poetry, Foolscap, Post, or Demy 8vo. as may be preferred. There are, however, a variety of other sizes, regulated by the number of leaves into which the sheet may be folded, as well as by the size of the Paper adopted, which may be more readily seen than described. The size and qualities of Paper, are of every variety.
PAPER MAKING.
The Manufacture of Paper, as now used, is not an Art of very ancient date, probably not earlier than the thirteenth century; but of its origin nothing is certainly known.
Various substances were in ancient times employed for writing, as Skins, Ivory, Lead, &c. In Egypt, from a very remote period, the inner films pressed together of the Papyrus or Biblos, a sort of Flag, or Bulrush, growing in the marshes there. From whence the word Paper is derived.
Paper is made from Rags, the best from Linen Rags; thus rendering that which had become useless, an article of universal importance, and permanent value. Without this indispensable material, Printing would have been deprived of its chief auxiliary; but with it, and by the present improved system of Manufacture, the productions of the Press, and of the Paper Mill, can be carried to any extent.
The Process of Paper Making is thus conducted. The Rags are first washed; then ground in the Mill with water, so as to form a Pulp; this Pulp is then conveyed to a Vat, furnished with a Mould of fine wire cloth, which takes up a sufficient quantity to form the Sheet, which, when the water has drained from it, is laid on a pile, and pressed so as to discharge the remaining moisture: it is then hung up to dry, after which, unless it has been sized in the Vat, which is the case with some kinds, it is dipped into a tub of fine size; and when again dried and pressed, is fit for use.
One of the greatest modern improvements in Paper making, is Bleaching the Rags. This enables the Paper-maker to produce the finest Paper from any kind of Rags. He has only, therefore, to find such materials as will make a Paper of a strong texture, and a fine even surface, and by the Bleaching process he can produce whatever shade of Colour he may desire.
A good supply of clear water is of the greatest importance in Paper Making. On this account, Paper Mills are built on clear streams.
By the recent improvements in machinery, Paper can now be made with almost any required degree of rapidity.