parchemin

Parchemin is the French term for parchment, a writing material made from the skin of animals, typically sheep, goat, or calf. Parchment has a long history as a primary medium for writing and book production in antiquity and the medieval period, preceding widespread use of paper. The English word parchment and the French parchemin share a common origin, from the Latin pergamentum, with some etymological links to the ancient city of Pergamon, though the precise origin is debated.

Production and characteristics: Parchment is produced by cleaning and soaking animal skins, removing hair, and treating them with lime before they are stretched on a frame and dried under tension. Scraping adjusts thickness and surface smoothness. The resulting material is durable and can be produced in varying grades; calfskin is often called vellum, though the terms are sometimes used interchangeably. Parchment is sensitive to humidity and can warp or become brittle if not stored properly. It accepts ink well and can be scraped clean to reuse in some cases.

Uses and modern context: Historically, parchment was used for manuscripts, codices, charters, and archival documents. In modern times it remains important in conservation, historical reproductions, and traditional crafts. A common modern term to distinguish is parchment paper, a cellulose-based product used for baking and cooking, which is not the same as animal skin parchment.

Conservation and handling: Parchment requires stable environmental conditions, careful handling, and protection from excessive moisture and temperature changes to preserve its integrity over time.