li 



Mr. Genet also read a communication on the application of 

 steam to the aerial navigation of balloons. (This communi- 

 cation, in an enlarged form, has been published by the author, 

 under the title of "Memorial on the upward forces of Flu- 

 ids, fyc. 8vo. 1825.") 



Mr. S. De Witt read a paper on the application of soap 

 alumina, to the manufacture of a water proof blacking. 



In this communication the author stated that in looking 

 over Gregory's Dictionary of the Arts and Sciences, he had 

 noticed the following paragraph, under the article Soap. 

 u Soap Alumina may be formed by mixing together solutions 

 of alum and common soap. It is a flexible, soft substance, 

 which retains its suppleness and tenacity when dry. It is in- 

 soluble in alcohol, water and oil. Heat easily melts it and 

 reduces it to a beautiful, transparent, yellowish mass." 



Having for some time suffered injury from shoes, made ei- 

 ther too tight or of rigid leather, Mr. De Witt had recourse 

 to the use of buckskin shoes. They answered his wishes, 

 but they were found to be pervious to water, and their appear- 

 ance was very soon injured by stains. Various expedients to 

 obviate this were unsuccessful, until the use of the soap alu- 

 mina occurred to him. The suppleness of the leather and its 

 proper appearance were found to be preserved, and it was also 



The compound was prepared, by taking water, saturated 

 with alum, and slicing into it from a common bar of soap, 

 two or three inches of its length. This was then put on the 

 fire to boil, but the soap, though it melted, did not incorporate 

 with the mass. It was found necessary to beat the mixture to- 

 gether, as is done by cooks, in beating eggs. The boiling was 

 then continued until the evaporation of the water left the com- 

 position of a proper consistence. A quantity of ivory black 

 was then thoroughly mixed with it. 



After treating the buckskin shoes for some time with it, 

 they could not be distinguished from the finest leather, and 

 they were rendered impervious to water, by placing a layer 

 of the soap between the under and upper soals. 



A committee was appointed to prepare a detailed report of 

 the proceedings of the Institute since its formation, with a 

 statement of the donations to the Library and Museum. 



April 27. The following donations were received : From 

 Rev. John Chester, Charles R. Webster and Joseph Henry, 

 silver and copper coins ; from T. Romeyn Beck, the Commis- 

 sion of Henrv Glen, Esq. as Town Clerk of the town of 

 Schenectady, dated Feb. 27, 1767, and signed by Sir Henry 

 6 



