Our silent enemy: ashes in our libraries.

Area of Science:

• Medical history
• Scientific preservation
• Information science

Background:

• Biomedical books and journals published since the 1850s are printed on acidic paper, leading to degradation.
• This degradation risks the loss of invaluable scientific history and hinders future research.
• Risks include incomplete knowledge assessment, redundant studies, and delayed scientific progress.

Purpose of the Study:

• To highlight the critical need for preserving biomedical archives.
• To advocate for the use of acid-free paper in scientific publications.
• To call for more rigorous journal publication criteria.

Main Methods:

• The study is a critical review and advocacy piece, not empirical research.
• It analyzes the risks associated with acidic paper in biomedical literature.
• It proposes solutions for preservation and improved publication practices.

Main Results:

• Acidic paper poses a significant threat to the long-term accessibility of biomedical knowledge.
• Current publication practices exacerbate preservation challenges due to the volume and quality of articles.
• A lack of historical perspective can lead to inefficient research and public misunderstanding.

Conclusions:

• A coordinated national conservation policy is essential to halt the destruction of historical biomedical records.
• Adopting acid-free paper and implementing stricter editorial standards are vital steps.
• Failure to act will deny future scientists, physicians, and historians critical resources for advancing human knowledge and healthcare.