Author Biographical Info

The McGovern Historical Center (MHC) is the historical and special collections department for The TMC Library. The MHC maintains rare book and archival collections. Artificial collections have been created to provide access to materials without clear provenance in order to increase discoverability. Soon after his arrival in Houston, Dr. McGovern became one of the Library’s most staunch supporters, annually supplying funds for the purchase of rare books and travel support for the librarians to attend meetings of the American Association for the History of Medicine. In 1977, The Library formed a new department with new quarters to collect historical materials and to enhance the rare book collections. In 1982, Dr. McGovern donated his personal collection of rare and historical books to the Library. In 1996 the Library’s Board of Directors named the historical department in his honor.

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Identifier

1844-the-iris-mallory-toxic-binding

Publication Date(s)

1844

Language

English

Description

This book is bound in a silk book cloth, suspected to be dyed with indigo carmine (or "Saxon Blue") a synthetic dye known for containing toxic elements. While the now faded-but once vivid-blue hue suggests the presence of this hazardous pigment, further testing is required to confirm its toxicity, as the book meets several key criteria associated with toxic dyes commonly used in historical bindings.

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