See BOOK.

A skin prepared for writing on; so called from Pergamos (q.v.), where this was first done (2 Timothy 4:13).

P`ARCHMENT, L. pergamena; purgo The skin of a sheep or goat dressed or prepared and rendered fit for writing on. This is done by separating all the flesh and hair, rubbing the skin with pumice stone, and reducing its thickness with a sharp instrument. Vellum is made of the skins of abortive or very young calves.

[WRITING]