In 1984, the author published a study on the pH of new books at Columbia University (Abbey Newsletter, Feb. 1984, p. 2). Included was a test for carbonate content, judged by the effervescence produced by a drop of 6n hydrocloric acid. The papers tested were mohawk superfine, howard permadur, howard permalife, standard permalife, archive long-life test. Since the results were ambiguous, analyses of these same papers were requested in 1985 and 1987 from two paper testing laboratories. Wide variations were found in the values determined (both by wet analysis and energy dispersive x-ray analysis). It is suggested that multiple determinations always be made, what ever the analytical technique employed. Carbonate-effervescence appears to discriminant at about 3% content, but other factors may influence the reaction. As the sample was not representative, the conclusions obtained should not be taken as characteristics of similar papers in current production.