Two techniques newly applied to the investigation of paper. Are fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FFIR) and electron spectroscopy for chemical analysis (ESCA). They were used for analysing and determining the presence of acidic functional groups on paper documents. Both techniques are described and the experimantal procedure explained. The paper investigated came from 15 books (1790 to 1983). The papers were routinely tested for pH, wettability and the presence of alum and resin. Only the Whatman standard paper and the rag paper of 1790 did not contain alum resin. The ether books were made of wood pulp paper. The results are tabulated. Both techniques demonstrated the presence of acidic impurities. Aldohyde and carboxyl groups were shown by ftir, carboxyl groups groups from both cellulose and resin by esca. Both techniques appear to have potential as non-destructive methods of analysis. Tables diagrams, spectra, references.