Correlative investigations of thin-sections and bulk cross-sections of methacrylate embedded samples of paper and parchment were done by using transmitted light microscopy (LM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) combined with energy dispersive x-ray spectrometry (EDS). The aim of these studies was to clarify a possible dependence between the brownish discoloration encountered in manuscripts and works of graphic art affected by Tintenfrass and the distribution of transition metal ions in the cross-sections of the carrier materials. There was hope to gain more information by observing the same specimen details with different microscopes. Therefore, suitable specimen positions were selected with respect to the intensity of staining of cross-sectioned particular fibers by using LM and relocated in the face of the cut off embedding blocks by using SEM where the amounts of transition metal elements were measured by EDS. Investigations revealed a positive correlation between the intensity of staining of the carrier materials and their content of iron, thus supporting theories according to which the degradation of writing materials under the influence of irongall inks cannot be alone due to free sulfuric acid but rather take into consideration the effect of iron and othertransition metal ions as powerful catalysts in the course of oxidative degradation of biopolymers such as cellulose and proteins.