378 ANNUAL RECORD OF SCIENCE AND INDUSTRY. 



For removing the stain of perspiration, a strong solution 

 of soda is first to be applied, with a subsequent rinsing with 

 water. Spots from sulphur and phosphorus, caused by luci- 

 fer-matches, can be extracted by sulphide of carbon. Ink 

 spots are to be treated with oxalic acid, nitric acid, or chlo- 

 rine, according to the composition of the ink. As a general 

 rule, a solution of oxalic acid applied, and .then rinsed oft* 

 with water, will answer the purpose. The removal of actual 

 coloring matter, such as the aniline dyes, etc., is more diffi- 

 cult, in consequence of the adhesion of the coloring matter to 

 the substance of the fibre. 25 G, xx.^3fay 24, 166. 



WHITENING FLANNEL. 



It is said that flannel, which has become yellow by age, 

 may be restored to its original whiteness by the use of a 

 solution of one and a half pounds of white Marseilles soap in 

 fifty pounds of soft river water, to which is added two thirds 

 of an ounce of spirit of aqua ammonia, and the whole thor- 

 oughly mixed. The flannel is to be immersed in this solution 

 and well stirred around, and afterward washed oft* in pure 

 water. The same result may also, it is said, be obtained still 

 more quickly by immersing the flannel for an hour in a dilute 

 solution of acid sulphate of soda, and then stirring in dilute 

 hydrochloric acid in the proportion of one part of acid to fifty 

 of water. The vessel is then to be covered over and allowed 

 to remain for a quarter of an hour, when the articles are to 

 be removed and thoroughly washed. 8 C 9 April 21, 127. 



REMOVAL OF GREASE SPOTS. 



In removing grease spots from fabrics by means of ben- 

 zine or petroleum, it often happens that a colored and stained 

 outline of the portion moistened is left. This can be prevent- 

 ed by the application of a layer of gypsum extending a little 

 beyond the moistened region. When dry, the powder is to 

 be shaken and brushed oft*, when no trace of the spot will re- 

 main. 6 C,xx\iu.,July 13, 272. 



CLEANING STRAW MATTING AND OIL-CLOTH. 



It is said that straw matting may be kept new-looking and 

 bright by washing it twice during the summer with a warm 

 solution made by dissolving a pint of salt in half a pailful of 



