BLEACHING. 



Although sulphur, by itself, is not in any sensible 

 degree soluble in water, and lime but sparingly so, 

 water dissolving only about one seven hundredth 

 part of its weight of lime ; yet the sulphuret of 

 lime is highly soluble. 



After the paste used by the weaver has been re- 

 moved, the linen is steeped in a solution of the 

 sulphuret of lime, prepared as above, for about 

 twelve or eighteen hours. It is then washed, and 

 steeped in oxy muriate of lime. This process is 

 repeated by six alternate immersions in each liquor. 

 For the use of private families, where the linen is 

 dirtied by perspiration or grease, it will be of great 

 service towards rendering it white, to steep it for 

 some time in a clear liquor, made by mixing one 

 quart of quick-lime in ten gallons of water, letting 

 the mixture stand for twenty-four hours, and then 

 using the clean water drawn off from the lime. 

 After the linen has been steeped in this liquor, it 

 should be well washed as usual, but will require 

 much less soap to be used. 



It is of great consequence in bleaching with the 

 oxygenated muriatic acid, that it may be employed 

 of a proper strength ; as a test to ascertain its 

 strength, a solution of indigo in sulphuric acid is 

 used. A certain quantity is put into a glass tube, 

 and oxygenated muriatic acid is added until the 

 colour of the indigo is destroyed : by the quantity 

 of acid necessary to destroy the colour, its strength 

 is estimated. 



Steam has been employed in bleaching in France 

 with great success. The process was brought from 

 the Levant. Chaptal first made it known to the 

 public. When an alcaline ley is boiled, a certain 

 quantity of alcali always rises with the steam. The 



