COATING OF FLOWERS. 63 



as in the case of wax, or by coating the surface thereof. Any of 

 the known preparations of wax may be treated in this way, but the 

 one preferred is composed of from 6 to 8 ounces of the solution: 

 51bs. of wax, and 51bs. of Deer's fat, melted together at a low heat, 

 on account of the inflammable nature of the phosphorus. The 

 article formed by this composition is acted upon by a solution of 

 silver or gold in the manner hereinafter described with respect to 

 articles which have been coated with the solution." 1 



Coating of Flowers, &c. " If the solution is to be applied to the 

 surface of the article, an addition is made to it of one pound of wax 

 or tallow, one pint of spirits of turpentine, and two ounces of India 

 rubber, dissolved with one pound of asphalte, in bisulphuret of 

 carbon, for every pound of phosphorus contained in the solution. 

 The wax and tallow being first melted, the solution of India rubber 

 and asphalte is stirred in ; then the turpentine, and after that the 

 solution of phosphorus is added. The solution prepared in this 

 manner is applied to the surfaces of non-metallic substances, such as 

 wood, flowers, &c., by immersion or brushing : the article is then 

 immersed in a dilute solution of nitrate of silver, or chloride of 

 gold ; in a few minutes the surface is covered with a fine film of 

 metal, sufficient to ensure a deposit of any required thickness on 

 the article, being connected with any of the electrical apparatus at 

 present employed for coating articles with metal. The solution 

 intended to be used is prepared by dissolving four ounces of silver 

 in nitric acid, and afterwards diluting the same with twelve gallons 

 of water; the gold solution is formed by dissolving one ounce of 

 gold in nitro-muriatic acid, and then diluting it with ten gallons 

 of water." 



We have frequently repeated the operations described by this 

 patentee with entire satisfaction, and were enabled to cover every 

 variety of surface with great facility. 



The solutions of silver and gold, prepared as above, will last for a 

 long time, and do a great many articles. When it is convenient it 

 is best to use both solutions. The connecting wire should first 

 be attached to the article to be coated, before being dipped into the 

 phosphorous solution, but connected at such parts as will not hurt 

 the appearance of the object by leaving a mark when it is taken off. 

 Care should be taken not to touch the article with the hands after it 

 is dipped into the solution. The object supported by the connec- 

 tions is immersed in the phosphorous solution, where it remains for 

 two or three minutes. When taken out it is dipped into the silver 

 solution, and as soon as the surface becomes black, having the ap- 

 pearance of a piece of black china, it is to be dipped several times in 



i Repertory of Patent Inventions, 1844. 



