Final answer:
It is true that some forgers use chemicals to 'age' papers, in an effort to create counterfeits of historical artifacts. The papermaking process dates back to ancient times and has involved into a durable art and technology, while the use of chemicals has been scrutinized in various contexts since the 19th century.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement is true. Forgers do indeed use chemicals to artificially age papers to create items that appear older than they are, sometimes in an attempt to pass them off as historical artifacts. The process of papermaking itself is ancient, dating back to Cai Lun in 105 CE, and has evolved over time. One aspect of papermaking that continues today is the creation of hand-made papers using wire mesh frame molds called deckles. Despite advancements in technology, the basic methods of papermaking have endured, and so have the techniques for forgery using chemical aging processes.
Carbon-14 dating is the scientific method often used to verify the age of paper materials, as evidenced by its use on the Dead Sea Scrolls to identify their creation time. The history of chemistry's involvement in our daily lives is vast, exemplified by Friedrich Accum and his work on exposing harmful chemical additives during the 19th century. While his focus was on food adulteration, it highlights the growing understanding and use of chemicals in various industries, including forgery.