In medieval times, glue was typically made from natural materials such as animal hides, bones, and cartilage. Animal glue, also known as hide glue or gelatin glue, was a common type of adhesive used for various purposes including woodworking, bookbinding, and even as an ingredient in paint. It was made by boiling down animal parts to extract collagen, which would then be processed into a sticky adhesive when cooled. This type of glue remained popular until the development of synthetic adhesives.
A viscous substance, derived from boiled animal parts, adheres with tenacity. Its amber hue hints at its organic origin, exuding a faint, earthy scent—a staple for craftsmen, binding wood and parchment alike.