Identification of
Vegetable Fibres
Dorothy Caitling and John Grayson

ISBN: 1-873132-61-1 • 2000 • $60 • Paper

Identification of plants or parts of plants is essential to disciplines ranging from forensic science to paper technology and art conservation. In this book the microscopical characteristics of ten of the most widely used commercial fibers are presented. Features useful for identifying fiber cells are described in detail and explained by reference to the anatomy of the living stem or leaf from which the fibers are extracted. Photomicrographs and line drawing illustrate the descriptions. Tables that compare the species are provided. An account of the cultivation and extraction of each of the fibers and details of the methods of specimen preparation are also included. This comprehensive book has proved invaluable not only to forensic scientists but also to archaeologists, conservators of antiquities, textile and paper technologists, botanists and many others who need to identify plant fibers.