Silhouettes

Silhouettes or cutout paper pictures are named after Etienne de Silhouette, a fairly unpopular 18th century Frenchman. Silhouette was the French Controller General of Finances [or the taxman], as well as a friend of the Marquise de Pompadour, who got him his job. The newspapers cut him down so hard and so well that the term "Silhouette" came to mean a man reduced to his simplest form.

Storing

Storing your rare old books in places that are dark and damp [basements] will cause mildew. Wrap books in acid free paper before storing, preferably on closet shelves.

Mildew

If you find mildew on old books, spray a cloth with disinfectant and wipe lightly across book cover. For leather bound books, use a mild shampoo and water.

Leather Books

To prevent leather bound books from drying out, use petroleum jelly every few years.