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."