M. TECHNOLOGY. 507 



METHOD OF COLORING VENEERS. 



A method of preparing veneers, in which the color satu- 

 rates the entire mass, and of course is exhibited even when 

 the surface is abraded, consists in first soaking- them for twen- 

 ty-four hours in a solution of caustic soda, and then boiling 

 them in it for half an hour. They are then washed with wa- 

 ter until all the alkali is removed, when thev are readv to 



/ ml at 



receive the dye. This treatment with soda effects a general 

 disintegration of the wood, so that, when moist, it is elastic 

 and leather-like, and is prepared to absorb the color. Veneers 

 thus treated, if left for twenty-four hours in a hot decoction 

 of logwood, and, after superficial dyeing, immersed for twen- 

 ty-four hours in a hot solution of copperas, become of a 

 beautiful and permanent black throughout. A solution of 

 picric acid in water, with the addition of ammonia, gives a 

 yellow color, not in the least affected by subsequent varnish- 

 ing. Coralline, dissolved in hot water, to which a little caustic 

 soda and one fifth its volume of soluble glass have been add- 

 ed, produces rose color of different shades, dependent on the 

 amount of coralline taken. After dyeing, they are dried be- 

 tween sheets of paper, and subjected to pressure to retain 

 their shape. 17 A, April 1, 1874, 59. 



GALENITE, A NEW MATERIAL IN PAINTING. 



The Abbe Moigno, in Les 3fo?ides, calls attention to a chem- 

 ical product, called Galenite, which he considers likely to 

 replace to advantage both red and white lead in the arts. 

 The substance is manufactured from galena, a sulphuret of 

 lead, and can be produced in large quantity at a low price 

 according to the inventor, at from 25 to 30 per cent, less 

 than the substances just mentioned. Galenite, as described 

 by Moigno, is of a grayish- yellow color, and of a density 

 about equal to white-lead ; but has the special property of 

 readily uniting in small quantity with pure or non-litharged 

 linseed-oil to form an extremely fat and drying paste, which, 

 when diluted subsequently with oil, may be applied like white- 

 lead to surfaces of plaster or wood, or like red-lead to iron 

 and other metals, possessing great advantages, however, over 

 these substances, both in covering power and solidity as well 

 as in cheapness. 



