116 ARSENICAL SOAP. 



be a very good test of the state of the solution : if it be too 

 strong, it will leave a whiteness upon the feather. 



ARSENICAL SOAP. 



Invented by Becceur, Apothecary, Metz. 



Arsenic, in powder, - - - 2 pounds, 

 Camphor, - - - - -5 ounces, 

 White Soap, - - - - - 2 pounds, 

 Salt of Tartar, - 12 ounces, 



Powdered Lime, - 4 ounces, 



The soap must be cut in small and very thin slices, put into a 

 crucible with a small quantity of water, and held over a gentle 

 fire, and frequently stirred with a wooden spatula, or a piece of 

 wood of any kind. When it is properly melted, the powdered 

 lime and salt of tartar must then be added, arid thoroughly 

 mixed. It must now be taken off the fire, the arsenic added 

 gently, and stirred. The camphor must be reduced into a 

 powder, by beating it in a mortar, with the addition of a little 

 spirits of wine. The camphor must then be added, and the 

 composition well mixed with a spatula, while off the fire. It 

 may be again placed on the fire, to assist in making the ingre- 

 dients incorporate properly, but not much heated, as the cam- 

 phor will very rapidly escape. It may now be poured into 

 glazed earthen pots, and allowed to cool, after which a piece 

 of paper should be placed over the top, and afterwards some 

 sheep leather ; and then set aside for use. The composition is 

 about the thickness of ordinary flour paste. 



When it is necessary to use the soap, put as much as will 

 answer the purpose into a preserve pot, and add to it about an 

 equal proportion of water. This is applied to the skin or 

 leathers with a bristle brush. 



N. B. it should be kept as close as possible, and used with 

 caution, as it is a deadly poison. 



The above is the recipe made use of at the Jardin des 

 Plantes, Paris. 



