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 Béceur, 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, and thorouglily 
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 
feathers 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. 
