"
[2] Strictly _agnellinus_.
From sheepskins was produced ordinary "parchment," and also a sort of
leather called "basane" or "cordovan." Vellum was produced from
calfskin; that of the stillborn calf being called "uterine vellum," and
considered the finest and thinnest. It is often spoken of in connection
with the exquisitely written Bibles of the thirteenth and fourteenth
centuries as of the highest value.
Besides these were the prepared skins of oxen, pigs, and asses; but
these were chiefly used for bindings, though occasionally for leaves of
account and other books liable to rough usage.
Before the tenth century the vellum used for MSS. is highly polished,
and very white and fine. Afterwards it becomes thick and rough,
especially on the hair side. In the examination of certain MSS. the
distinction of hair side and smooth side is of importance in counting
the gatherings so as to determine the completeness, or otherwise, of a
given volume. Towards the period of the Renaissance, however, the vellum
gradually regains its better qualities.
Thus it may be seen that the difference between vellum and parchment is
not a mere difference of thickness; for while, in general, vellum is
stouter than parchment, there is some vellum which is thinner than some
parchment.
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