Solander box

A Solander box ("S" may also be in lowercase), or clamshell case (mainly in American English), is a book-form case used for storing manuscripts, maps, prints, documents, old and precious books, etc.

It is named after the Swedish botanist Daniel Solander (1733–1782),[1] who is credited with its construction while working at the British Museum, where he catalogued the natural history collection between 1763 and 1782.

The case is usually constructed of hardcover or wood, and has a hinged lid connected to its base.

Both lid and bottom sections of the box have three fixed side sections or "lips"; the lid is slightly larger so that the side pieces "nest" when the case is closed.

The fourth "spine" side has flexible joints where it joins the main top and bottom pieces and so goes flat onto the surface where the box is opened.