Rubbing or rub-off. The name usually given to the copy of the lettering on the back of the book, made by holding thin paper tightly over the back and rubbing the paper with a heel-ball or a piece of plumbago.
Run up. When a back has a fillet run from top to bottom without being mitred at each band, it is said to be run up.
Russia leather. A fine leather prepared in Russia, and imitated elsewhere, by very careful willowbark tanning, dyeing with sandalwood, and soaking in birch oil. It is of a brownish red color, and has a peculiar and characteristic odor. The genuine is not often used in binding; it is not as strong as cowhide.
“In nearly all samples of Russia leather a very violent form of red decay was noticed. In many cases the leather was found to be absolutely rotten in all parts exposed to light and air, so that on the very slightest rubbing with a blunt instrument the leather fell into fine dust.”—Report ’01.
Saddle-stitched. A pamphlet or book of one signature only sewed with thread or fastened with wire staples along the back is said to be saddle-stitched.
Sawing in. Making grooves in the back of a book with a saw to receive strings or bands.
Seal grain. See Grain.
Section. A folded sheet. See Signature.
Seme, or Semis, or Powder. Ornamentation in which a device is repeated at regular intervals.
Set-off. See Off-set.