In Europe parchment has been growing in favor for permanent records since early Roman Imperial times. Parchment is not tanned. It is dried on a stretching-frame and is usually thinned by shaving. It is smoothed and deprived of all or most of its grease. However, the high natural content of grease of sheep-parchments may cause a partial oil-tannage, producing a leather-like material suitable for binding. The finest parchment, called vellum, is made from calf skins. The history of parchment use is discussed in ancient Greece and Rome and Asia Minor. The general manufacture of parchment in the Middle Ages is briefly discussed.