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“Lance wound” area shroud fiber. Reddish “blood” particles adhere to the upper surface of the fiber, which shows a yellow mottling. Kohlbeck and Nitowski interpret this yellowing as the reaction of the linen to a slightly alkaline solution formed when moisture from the body (blood and perspiration) and limestone dust mix. The process by which an alkaline solution changes the outer surface of the linen is called mercerization. It appears that not only the outer surface is yellowed but, perhaps, also the inside of the fiber.