The dating of leather bindings using ER-FTIR spectroscopy and machine learning

Libraries and archives hold large collections of medieval manuscripts that are of cultural importance to the regions they serve. These collections are often highly studied for their written material as a snapshot of how life was at the time of writing. By studying that, codicologists can estimate a moderately accurate date for the objects, but it requires significant time, expertise, and effort to achieve these dates. Limitations regarding sample collection and preparation prevent large scale and robust scientific investigation of these culturally significant collections. Recent advancements in the scientific community around non-destructive and non-invasive analysis have helped open the door to study these collections. This study attempts to utilize External Reflectance Fourier Transform Infrared (ER-FTIR) spectroscopy as a tool for molecular decay (MD) dating. By working closely with codicologists and conservators, it is possible to build an MD dating tool by looking at the chemical differences in leather as it ages. With an estimated uncertainty of ± 66 years, this study aims to prove that it is possible to have an accurate dating tool that is fast, easy to interpret, and non-destructive/non-invasive to cultural heritage collections.