M. TECHNOLOGY. 527 



which, for white goods, a blue tinge is given. It is men- 

 tioned, as an additional advantage, that this solution does 

 not ferment, and that it acts as a good mordant for vegetable 

 fibres. 



The idea of Mr. Midler to annualize cotton fibre by precip- 

 itating a solution of silk upon it is considered theoretically 

 correct, but practically inapplicable. 25 (7, xxn., 1872, 176. 



IMPROVEMENT IN SIZING FABRICS. 



In sizing and finishing muslin or other loosely woven fab- 

 rics, it frequently happens that the interstices become filled 

 with the sizing material. Messrs. Courand & Moissonier obvi- 

 ate this by directing a current of finely divided steam against 

 the fabric when passing from the sizing machine. It is prob- 

 able that a current of air would serve the same purpose, as 

 it would blow off the thin film closing the interstices. 13 C, 

 x., 1872, 686. 



ARTIFICIAL LEATHER. 



Messrs. Harrington & Richards have taken a patent in 

 England for the manufacture of what they call artificial 

 leather. They mix one part of glycerine with three parts of 

 glue, add boiled linseed oil to make it more pliable, or caout- 

 chouc to make it elastic, spread it, while hot, upon some fab- 

 ric, and subject it to a high pressure. When cold, the sur- 

 face is coated with a solution of chrome alum, common alum, 

 or sulphate of iron. Finally, they apply some water-proof 

 composition to prevent the injurious action of moisture. 

 6 (7, xxiv., 1872, 238. 



DYEING WITH GLYCERINE SOLUTIONS OF ANILINE. 



Glycerine is a better solvent of aniline colors than either 

 alcohol or water, and Mr.F.Springmiihl has lately made some 

 satisfactory experiments in dyeing wool, cotton, and silk with 

 glycerine solutions. The colors were fast, clear, and lively, 

 and in most cases no mordant was required. The high boil- 

 ing-point of the glycerine appeared to be very favorable, and 

 Mr. Springmiihl thinks even the addition of a small quantity 

 of glycerine solution to the common bath advisable when- 

 ever the high price of the glycerine forbids its more extended 

 application. 13 C\ x., 1872, 686. 



