Dr. Bentley’s Dissertations on the Epistles of Phalaris, and the Fables of Aesop, examin’d:  by the Honourable Charles Boyle, Esq. is part of a literary sparring match between Dr. Richard Bentley (1662-1742) and Charles Boyle, Fourth Earl of Orrery (1674-1731). Bentley successfully proved that the Epistles of Phalaris were not authentic, but likely forgeries by a Sophist from the fourth century AD. 

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Treatment Overview

• The binding was in stable condition, but the parchment covered boards were splayed. 

• The book was surface cleaned with latex-free polyurethane sponges and a soft brush. 

• Tears and losses were mended with Golden Acrylic toned mulberry tissue and adhered with a 3:1 methylcellulose and wheat starch paste mixture. 

• The boards and parchment were humidified and flattened, and a slip case was constructed to prevent future board splay.