1. Introduction
Parchment, manufactured from animal skins (most commonly calf, sheep, or goat skin), has been extensively used for writing and recording information throughout history. While the use of animal skins as writing supports dates back millennia, parchment is distinguished by a unique physicochemical process that sets it apart from other materials, like leather. Its production involves a series of steps that transform the skin into a durable material that lasts for centuries under optimal conditions. By leveraging the inherent properties of animal skin, this process gives parchment a unique combination of reactivity and resilience to environmental stressors.
Animal skin consists of three primary layers: the epidermis, the dermis, and the subcutaneous tissue. The epidermis, rich in keratin and forming the outermost layer, is removed in parchment preparation. The dermis beneath the epidermis is densely packed with collagen fibres and is critical in parchment production. It com...


