My Uncle Kicked Ass on the tv

http://www.pbs.org/previews/nova_saving_natltreasures/

My Uncle Nathan was one of many who discussed the best way to preserve the Declaration of Independence. It was like a monster garage show but a little more serious. Although there were some people that performed for the camera. That’s why I can’t watch reality shows. That fake arguing or elevated arguing for the camera is bothersome.
But my uncle stood his ground on the real argument. They all wanted an airtight casing and made a good design to do so. But, Nathan wanted to frame the sealed casing with pockets filled with silica gel to regulate the humidity. The others argued if it were airtight you wouldn’t need the gel. (This gel is what you find in packaging like a sugar packet.)
I’m no scientist. Not even an amateur. But I do think backup plans are a good idea and from my science armchair I say you should put the silica gel pockets in just in case the box leaked. My uncle lost the argument and agreed to share the blame when in fifty years it does leak and allows humidity.
He’s a badass in the preserving of documents. He also worked on preserving the Magna Carta, the Gettysburg Address, and a number of oil paintings.

check it out: http://www.loc.gov/exhibits/gadd/gapres.html