T8 FIRESIDE SCIENCE. 



ration will gradually dye the hair a black or dark 

 brown color, if a small quantity is rubbed into it 

 once or twice a day. Its frequent use is however 

 attended with great danger, as numerous instances 

 of leao> poisoning have resulted from its employ- 

 ment. There are many other hair-dyes into which 

 lead enters that are equally objectionable. The 

 following is a well known formula: 



Powdered litharge (oxide of lead), 2 oz. 

 Quicklime, oz. 

 Calcined magnesia, J oz. 



Mix the powders, moisten with water, apply the 

 paste to the hair, and allow it to remain four hours. 

 This affords a dark brown color ; for a deep black, 

 it must remain eight hours. 



The solution of plumbate of potash is a very 

 convenient dye. It is slow in its action, but it does 

 , not stain the skin. It is prepared by dissolving 

 in four ounces of liquor potassse as much freshly 

 precipitated oxide of lead as it will take up, and 

 diluting the clear solution with twelve ounces of 

 pure water. It may be applied as a wash to the 

 hair. The permanganate of potassa forms an ex- 

 cellent dye, where a dark brown color is desired. 

 It is safe and easily applied, but it has the disad- 

 vantage of staining the skin. If care is used, this 

 need not occur. The solution may be made by 

 dissolving in two ounces of distilled water 120 

 grains of the crystals of permanganate of potassa. 



