L. TECHNOLOGY. 529 



This facilitates very greatly the application of grease for the 

 preservation of the leather, since the pores are so much lar- 

 ger, and also permits the introduction of fine sands or iron 

 filings, which increase the resistance to wearing. Further- 

 more, if the more compact portion of the leather be outside, 

 when the outer layer is worn away it leaves the interior in a 

 soft and tender state, which abrades very rapidly ; whereas, 

 if the soft side be first exposed, it may be protected as above 

 mentioned, and when removed leaves a compact layer, even 

 when worn down almost to the thinness of paper. It is also 

 stated in the article quoted that the neck part of the skin of 

 sole leather, contrary to the common opinion, forms the most 

 durable soles for shoes, especially when the flesh side is ex- 

 terior, and suitably saturated with wax or grease. The prin- 

 cipal fault that this leather has is the slipperiness which it 

 often acquires when worn on the grass. Shoe-soles prepared 

 and treated in this way are not only more soft and flexible, 

 but are said to be cooler in hot weather. 10 C r June 1, 1871, 

 73. 



NEW PRESERVATIVE FLUID. 



The following are the ingredients of a liquid by means of 

 which the organs of the body that have become absolutely 

 offensive from decay may be treated so that they can be 

 examined for marks of injury or signs of disease. The fluid 

 consists of a mixture of iodine one drachm, methylated ether 

 (of specific gravity .720) ten fluid ounces, absolute alcohol 

 one fluid ounce, and strong sulphuric acid four fluid drachms. 

 The action of the solution seems to be that the iodine deo- 

 dorizes, while the sulphuric acid engages the water and the 

 alkaline products of decomposition, and produces the neces- 

 sary firmness of structure. The ether escapes, being simply 

 the fluid dissolvent for the other agents. 20 A, December 9, 

 1871,701. 



WALNUT DYE FOR WOOD. 



A solution of equal parts of permanganate of potash and 

 sulphate of magnesia, applied to whitewood by means of a 

 brush, will produce an excellent brown color resembling that 

 of the walnut. A second coating should be applied as soon 

 as the first is dry. 6 (7, xxviil, 232. 



Z 



