MISCELLANEOUS. 339 



water, and a white precipitate will be formed, 

 which is to be washed and dried. This is white 

 oxyde of bismuth, commonly termed magistery of 

 bismuth, or pearl-white. 



This is used as a cosmetic, and is sold by the 

 perfumers; but it very much impairs the skin, 

 blackening it by degrees, so that once used, it 

 must be continued; and it is also to be feared, 

 that it has, besides, deleterious effects upon the 

 constitution. 



To procure Animakulce for the Microscope. 



The surface of infused liquors is generally 

 covered with a thin pellicle, which is easily broken, 

 but acquires thickness by standing ; the greatest 

 number of animalculae are generally to be found 

 in this superficial film. 



To make an infusion of pepper. Cover the bot- 

 tom of an open jar, about half an inch thick, with 

 common black pepper, bruised ; pour as much 

 soft water in the vessel as will rise about an inch 

 above the pepper. The pepper and water are 

 then to be well shaken together ; after which they 

 must not be stirred, but be left exposed to the air 

 for a few days, when a thin pellicle will be formed 

 on the surface of the water, containing millions of 

 animalculae. 



To procure the eels in paste. Boil a little flour 

 and water till it becomes of a moderate consistence ; 

 expose it to the air in an open vessel, and beat it 

 together from time to time, to prevent the surface 

 from growing hard or mouldy : after a few days, 

 especially in summer time, it will turn sour ; then, 

 if it be examined with attention, you will find 

 myriads of eels on the surface. Apply them to 



