SCIENTIFIC NEWS, &C. ^{Q 



the means by which spots of grease are usually taken out of 

 piece goods. These methods are reducible to two ; namely, 

 absorption and ablution. When an absorbent earth (fullers 

 earth or tob;iCco pipe-clay for example), is applied wet upon 

 a place which is greased, the oil usually flows into the capil- 

 lary interstices of the earth, as the water evaporates ; and, 

 upon beating or rubbing out the dry earth, the vegetable or 

 animal fibre is left clean. Vv^hen the oil is solid, at the com- 

 mon temperature, as is the case with tallow or wax, it is 

 found necessary to apply the heat of an iron or common hre 

 cautiously to the place, while the earth Is drying. In some 

 description of goods blotting paper, or bran, or raw starchy 

 may be used with advantage. In these manipulations the 

 difficulty of taking out the grease does not seem to be so great 

 as that of avoiding injury to the face of the goods. * 



The method of taking out grease by ablution is perfectly 

 well known. Water acts upon grease by the medium of soap, 

 or less safely by the interposition of an alkali. The chemical 

 action of these, as well as the probability of mischief from 

 applying water to various descriptions of goods, oppose in- 

 surmountable obstacles to their use in many instances. I 

 have not tried how far the solution of pure ammonia might be 

 beneficial in processes of this kind. It promises the advan- 

 tage of quitting (he article by evaporation, after the process 

 is over. There is a method, commonly used for taking grease 

 spots ouf of silks, which may probably be irititled to further 

 extension. Alcohol, or spirit of wine, does not act upon 

 grease or fat oil by itself; but when the volatile oil of lemons, 

 called essence of lemons, is dissolved in that fluid, the com- 

 pound will take out grease spots. The method of applying it 

 is to wet the place, and wipe or rub it while wet with a 

 sponge or cloth. It nught be worth trying whether a much 

 cheaper essential or volatile oil than that of lemons might not 

 be Used for this purpose. Spirit of turpentine would have aa 

 unpleasant smell for a time; but, perhaps, it would not last. 



Dr. Clanny, of Durham, has just published an history and 

 analysis of the mineral waters at Butterby, near that town. 



I can- 



