Rabbie Burns Works Authenticated

Scottish researchers develop a high tech way to authenticate the genuine works of Rabbie Burns.

15:30 30 July 2018

Scientists from Glasgow University have developed a high tech way to distinguish which inks the Bard of Ayshire used to write each of his poems.

 

The scientists used a method called ‘direct infusion mass spectrometry’ that extracts samples using a minimally destructive technique directly from the paper surface. The researchers then analysed the ink and paper both authenticated and forged Burn’s manuscripts and are now able to distinguish them apart from each other.

 

The breakthrough is the result of a collaboration between Dr Karl Burgess, of the University’s Glasgow Polyomics, and the School of Critical Studies, led by Professor Gerard Carruthers.

 

Professor Carruthers said: “What this tool provides us with finally is a way of separating the wheat from the chaff, and knowing what exactly is an authentic Burns manuscript and what is a fake.”