An attempt has been made to clarify the terms degradation, over-bleaching, and overcooking of cellulose fibers. The relative nature of these terms in two respects is discussed.Detailed discussion is given for hydrolytic degradation of cellulose -- actual and irreversible. In contrast, potential degradation involves an oxidation of some of the functional hydroxyl groups to carbonyls of the glucose or pentose units of the polymeric carbohydrate molecules of wood pulps. Such changes do not shorten these molecules but render them vulnerable to attack by alkaline or acidic solutions. Discusses how potential degradation can be remedied to a large extent. Also mentions that oxalic acid has no apparent effect on the degradation of wood pulp. -- AATA