Readers ask: Why Do I Like The Smell Of Old Books?

Research suggests that there is a scientific reason why old pages in a book smell so good to some people. As books decompose over time, they emit a smell that comes from volatile organic compounds. When you don’t know the name of a scent, you tend to associate with something more familiar to you.

What is it called when you like the smell of old books?

A bibliophile refers to the smell by the word ‘Biblichor’ – from the Greek word, Biblos, meaning book and the Ichor, meaning “the fluid that flows in the veins of Gods” and inspired from the word Petrichor.

What does it mean when you like the smell of books?

There’s chemistry in the air Books are made up of paper, adhesive, and ink. When these materials degrade over time, they give off organic volatile compounds, which in turn produce a smell that’s appealing to readers. The reason the smell is so appealing may be because it has a hint of vanilla.

Why do old books smell good?

It turns out that the smell of old books is due to the organic materials in books (like cellulose from wood pulp) reacting with light, heat and water, and over time releasing volatile organic compounds or VOCs.

Is the smell of old books harmful?

Pathogenic spores, molds, bacteria and fungi that could be could be quite harmful if breathed in can be found in old books. Also there is the matter of the continuing slow deterioration of the books – paper rot, ink fade, discolouration, etc. For these reasons it is often wise to fumigate.

Is it weird to smell new books?

In regards to new books, certain compounds like hydrogen peroxide, which is a bleaching agent, and alkyl ketene dimer, which makes the book water resistant, contribute to a book’s unusual smell. That’s explained by the presence of lignin, a chemical used in the paper of many books made more than 100 years ago.

What is a Biblichor?

Biblichor is the word that describes the particular smell that belongs to old books.

Why do I like the smell of gasoline?

Gasoline Activates the Mesolimbic Pathway Benzene and other hydrocarbons, when inhaled, have a suppressing effect on the nervous system, which results in a temporary, euphoric feeling. It produces a pleasurable sensation that’s not unlike alcohol or a host of other drugs.

What do you call someone who reads a lot?

A bibliophile or bookworm is an individual who loves and frequently reads books.

Do people like smell of old books?

Research suggests that there is a scientific reason why old pages in a book smell so good to some people. As books decompose over time, they emit a smell that comes from volatile organic compounds.

Why do old books smell like vanilla?

A common smell of old books, says the International League for Antiquarian Booksellers, is a hint of vanilla: “Lignin, which is present in all wood-based paper, is closely related to vanillin. As it breaks down, the lignin grants old books that faint vanilla scent.”

How do you get the musty smell out of old books?

Place a cup of baking soda or an opened box in a plastic box or bin with a lid. Put the book in the box with the baking soda and close the lid. Leave it for 48-72 hours, then check on the book. Repeat until the odor is gone.

Can old paper make you sick?

Sources of Allergies, Infections, and Disease The sources of health hazards when using papers are dust, mold, bacteria, by-products of mold and bacteria, and applied chemicals. (While not all molds and bacteria are disease causing, it is best to assume that a portion of those encountered on paper are pathogenic.)

Can book mold spread?

Moldy books are a risk to a collection. Mold spores can spread from book to book through the air.