Mottling and sprinkling are methods used by bookbinders to create decorative patterns on leather bindings. These irregular patterns are produced by the direct application of acid to the leather. Mottling is achieved by dabbing ferrous sulfate on the surface using a cloth, brush, or fingertip. A speckled appearance is produced by sprinkling or splattering acid. The application of different types and strengths of acid allows for variations in tone. The indiscriminate use of acid as a decorative agent can permanently damage the leather.

Year: 1779
Reference: Antonio Caulin (1719-1802). Historia Coró Grafica Natural y Evangélica de la Nueva Andalucia Provincias de Cumaná, Guayana y vertientes del Río Orinco... [Madrid: s.n.], 1779. 482 p. 36 x 25 cm.
Description: Mottled calf with double blind-tooled fillet border on covers. Raised spine bands. Red leather spine label with gilt lettering and ornaments on spine.
Gift: Phanor J. Eder
Catalog Record: http://ibisweb.miami.edu/search/o?SEARCH=3114203

Year: 1763
Reference: Jean Baptiste Thibault de Chanvalon. Voyage a la Martinique, Contenant Diverses Observations sur la Physique, l'Histoire Naturelle, l'Agriculture, les Moeurs, & les Usages de Cette Isle... A Paris: Chez J.B. Bauche..., 1763. 192 p. 26 x 21 cm.
Description: Mottled calf with triple of French blind-tooled fillet border on covers. Raised spine bands. Red leather spine label with gilt lettering and ornaments on spine. Edges stained red.
Catalog Record: http://ibisweb.miami.edu/search/o?SEARCH=5870494|

Year: 1728
Reference: Daniel Defoe (1661?-1731). The Memoirs of an English Officer, who serv'd in the Dutch War in 1672, to the Peace of Utrecht, in 1713... London: Printed for E. Symon..., 1728. 352 p. 20 x 13 cm.
Description: Mottled calf with triple or French gilt fillet border with corner ornaments on covers. Raised spine bands. Light brown spine label with gilt lettering. Gilt decorations and ornaments on spine. Gilt decorative roll on turn-ins. All edges gilt.
Catalog Record: http://ibisweb.miami.edu/search/o?SEARCH=6073654|

Year: 1736
Reference: Edme-François Gersaint (d. 1750). Catalogue Raisonné de Coquilles, et Autres Curiosités Naturelles... A Paris: Chez Flahault... [et chez] Prault, Fils..., 1736. 167, 64 p. 17 x 10.5 cm
Description: Mottled calf with single blind-tooled fillet border on covers. Raised spine bands. Gilt title and ornaments on spine. Gilt decorative roll on turn-ins. Edges stained red.
Catalog Record: http://ibisweb.miami.edu/search/o?SEARCH=+9206042|

Year: 1780
Reference: Les Amours Pastorales de Daphnis et Chloé. A Londres: [s.n.], 1780. 196 p. 13 x 8 cm.
Description: Mottled calf with triple or French gilt fillet border on covers. Gilt title, decorations and ornaments on spine. Gilt decorative roll on turn-ins. All edges gilt.
Catalog Record: http://ibisweb.miami.edu/search/o?SEARCH=2745027