FROM THE INVENTION OF PRINTING. 109

John Koelhof, at Cologne, in 1472J There is asolidity about these books, which testifies no littlelabour in the beating and pressing of the sheets■when folded. They continued the use of a slip ofparchment round the end-papers, and first and lastsheets of many, to preserve the backs from injury,and to strengthen the joint. The last leaf is alsostrengthened with the addition of other paper, andin this position the fragments of some printedworks and prints, previously unknown, have beendiscovered.

They are sewn on a series of strong slips of whiteleather, placed at equal distances from each other, soas to form the division of the back when covered.Sometimes, double bands, arranged close together,are seen, the thread tightly and firmly drawn roundin' the sewing. These double bands are verydistinguishable on the cover, a line being run acrossin the small grove between them. The solidity ofthis portion of the bindings of the sixteenth century,coupled with the formation of the back, is seen inmany books which still remain perfectly firm after thecover has been worn away, nothing but damp appear-ing to affect them.

The boards are generally of oak, but planed thinnerthan those of the period preceding. Some of themare beviled off to a fine edge, slanting from the leavesof the book. The bands or thongs of leather are lacedinto the board in a similar manner to the presenta Johnson’s Typograpbia, i. 6S.