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Xacqucring flDicroecope ZTubee anb Stance." 



By Dr. Frank L James, St. Louis. Mo. 



THE art of lacquering, like every other, requires some expe- 

 rience to get good results. The writer has been in the 

 habit of closing the tubes with close-fitting corks and plac- 

 ing them in hot water. This ensures an even temperature through- 

 out, and the corks afford a good handle to hold them with during 

 the application of the lacquer. Another precaution, too often 

 neglected, is the removal of all old lacquer before the application 

 of fresh. The following is the method employed by the writer : — 



The tubes are corked to prevent the ingress of cleaning mate- 

 rial, water, etc., that might atfect the dead-black inner finish (and 

 thus affect the definition of the visual apparatus), and are then 

 washed with the soap-mixture described belowf to remove the 

 lacquer. They are then carefully polished with putz pomade, the 

 operation being finished with a piece of chamois, sprinkled with 

 the finest levigated chalk. A second washing with the soap 

 mixture and warm water removes the last traces of grease and 

 polishing material, and the tubes are placed in hot water. The 

 lacquer consists of red shellac, dissolved in alcohol of 95^, about 

 I ounce of lac to 10 or 12 ounces of spirit. This gives a very 

 pale lacquer, which may be darkened by the use of dragon's blood 

 or given a yellow hue by gamboge, sandarac, anatto, etc. Appen- 

 ded hereto will be found some formulae that we have tested and 

 found reliable. 



The lacquer is poured into a saucer, or small open dish, and 



* From the National Druggist. 



t This mixture is usually made out of the refuse alcohol, and benzol used in 

 washing, clearing, etc. , in mounting (small portions that cannot be returned to 

 the container without redistillation). The bottle is kept handy, and fresh soap 

 is added from time to time, no particular regard being paid as to proportions. 

 A good formula would be as follows : — ■ 



Shaved Castile Soap ... ... ... i part. 



Alcohol, 94*^ to 95* ... ... ... 3 ,, 



Benzol ... ... ... ... 3—4 „ 



Liquor Potassse ... ... ... ... i ,, 



Mix and shake from time to time. 



