THE BEE. 71 



by bleaching in the sun, combined with a periodical 

 application of moisture, under which influences it 

 becomes white, translucent, and brittle ; but, in order 

 that it may retain somewhat of its pliancy, a little 

 tallow is usually mixed with it during the process of 

 bleaching. 



Wax is composed of 80"20 carbon, 

 „ „ 13-14 hydrogen, 



„ „ 6'36 oxygen, 



and, during its exposure to the atmosphere in the 

 bleaching process it absorbs oxygen to the extent of 

 about 1 per cent., and parts with about the same 

 quantity of carbon*. 



It is unnecessary, and, indeed, would be almost 

 impossible, to enumerate the various purposes to 

 which this valuable substance is applied. In its or- 

 dinary state, it serves as an auxiliary in various trades, 

 whilst the bleached material supplies us with some 

 of the finest candles, which are now, however, being 

 superseded by those made from animal and vege- 

 table fats. It is, moreover, largely employed in me- 

 dicine, forming one of the chief constituents of cerates 

 and ointments, and by some physicians it is even ad- 

 ministered internally. 



But let us not forget its application in the arts; 

 in the casting of busts and medallions, and, above all, 

 in that beautiful female accomplishment, the manu- 



* Achille Richard, Histoire Nat. Med. Brande's Manual of 

 Chemistry. 



