Never destroy an original binding upon an old volume if the binding be in tolerable condition. An old book should not be rebound, unless it is essential to its preservation; and then it should be, as far as possible, a restoration.
Carefully preserve old writings and autographs upon fly-leaves, unless they are trivial. It is an act of courtesy to the former owner of a book to place his book-plate on the end-board of the volume.
Any blank-leaves that occur in old volumes should not be removed. The bastard or half title should always be preserved.
Have all oblong plates placed in such a manner that the inscription under them will read from the tail to the head of the volume.
Never bind a large map with a small volume. It is liable to tear away; and, in pressing the volume, it makes unseemly marks. Maps and plans should be affixed to blank leaves, so as to open clear of the volume, that the reader may have the plan and text to examine together.
It is a false economy to bind up a number of volumes together, especially if they are of different sizes and upon different subjects.
Keep your books dry, but not too warm. Gas is injurious in a library, especially to the gilding upon the books.
Do not place books with uncut tops where the dust will fall upon them. It will penetrate between the leaves and mar the interior of the volumes.
Avoid placing books with clasps or carved sides upon the shelves. They will mark and scratch their neighbours.
Never fold down corners, or wet your fingers, when reading or turning over the pages of a book.