Accelerated ageing of paper (several days of storage in an oven at elevated temperature, used in conservation research) is examined in the light of chemical kinetics. The result is quite sobering: the only effect of accelerating ageing is an acceleration, but its rate is not known. Even relative conclusions are not always possible. Object A may age more quickly than object B at a higher temperature, but more slowly at a lower temperature. In addition,the future of any single object is influenced by its specific history. History can only happen; it cannot be simulated in advance.