Pubdate: Sun, 12 Jul 1998 Source: Scotland on Sunday Contact: Graham Ogilvy's Diary WHY A LIBRARY TRIP CAN REALLY ALTER THE MIND It brings a whole new meaning to a trip to the library. Scientists think fungus growing on old books could get you high. Experts on the various fungi which feed on the pages and covers of books are increasingly convinced that spending enough time around ancient tomes and decaying manuscripts in dank archives can cause hallucinations. Archivists and book conservators know the airborne spores of many moulds can trigger allergic reactions and respiratory problems, particularly among asthma sufferers. Other fungi produce mycotoxins, poisons which can severely damage the brain, bone marrow, liver and kidneys. But the possibility has now been raised that some classes of fungal spore contain other pharmacological properties such as the ability, in some cases, to cause hallucinations. Leading mycologist Professor Roger Hay has suggested that it is the fungi on books - not their contents - which have truly mind-altering qualities. "It is not inconceivable that intoxication might follow inhalation of spore from suitable mould fungi in libraries. The source of inspiration for many great literary figures may have been nothing more than a quick sniff of the bouquet of mouldy books," he said. While no scientific studies have been done to indicate how many spores someone would have to inhale to seriously affect their behaviour, US specialists have estimated that it would take a fairly concentrated exposure over a considerable period of time. Bob Child, head of conservation at the National Museum of Wales, said that while he had not heard of any cases of hallucinating readers, he welcomed the news. "This really introduces a completely new dimension to our conservation practice and it may even encourage more people to become paper conservators so that they can become whazzed." Child said the possibility of turning on, tuning in and dropping out at work is just the latest in a series of occupational hazards for librarians and museum staff. "Just recently, a number of museums closed down their herbaria [dried flower collections] because they found that the amount of mercury in them was astronomical. Up until 30 years ago it was common practice to spray the displays with mercury to protect them against mould. Similarly, stuffed animals were treated with arsenic, cyanide and DDT to safeguard them against insects and pests. Opinion is still divided on whether the promise of an expanded consciousness can lure teenagers back into public libraries. "I'm not sure whether this means that they'll be rushing to the rare books section but I'm all for it," laughs Child. "They could come for a vivid educational experience: read the words and see the lights." - ---