On Wed, 08 Aug 2007 22:25:59 -0700, LowEnergyParticle
wrote:

Measuring tools and instruments often come in wooden cases. I've seen
mahogany, birch, poplar, pine, and several other woods used.

Lime (linden, basswood) is one of the best European options for inner
liners. Even better though are some of the Japanese traditional timbers
for cabinetry liners -- a culture with skilled woodworkers and a hard
climate to store things in.

1) to maximize the water absorbtion, should the inside of the boxes
be left unfinished?

http://amol.org.au/recollections/

Museum conservation site, lots of useful advice.