4 
be used a little weaker than this ; for which reason, half an ounce 
of clear water should be added to every quart of the above. AH 
articles should be well washed in fresh water, previous to being put 
in this. 
No. 5. Chloride of Lime. 
This is the common bleaching salts, and can be easily and cheaply 
obtained in almost every place. The powder should be kept from 
exposure to air and moisture. From one drachm to half an ounce, 
or more or less, according to circumstances, may be added to a pint 
of water.* This article may also be used to destroy smell, or 
check putrefaction, in substances that are drying or undergoing 
other preparatory steps to be preserved. It should indeed be kept 
on board of all vessels, being perhaps the most certain disinfecting 
agent known. The solution may be sprinkled over the decks and 
throughout the holds, frequently. 
No. 6. Sulphurous Acid. 
This has been lately very highly recommended by Dr. John 
Davy. Its advantages are triple ; it is cheap, durable, and clearly 
displays minute structure. It does not, like alum, or alcohol, con- 
tract what is immersed in it, nor does it, like solutions of nitre and 
other salts, lose its transparency and become turbid. Dr. D. has 
preparations that have been made three years, and nothing has 
been done to them all that time ; no fluid has been added ; no 
evaporation has taken place ; and they are as perfect as when first 
immersed in the acid. They are merely placed in bottles with 
glass stoppers, lubricated with a little cerate This acid is pre- 
pared in an economical and easy manner, by burning sulphur 
matches over water, in any appropriate vessel ; (a large tumbler 
will answer;) agitating the water when the match ceases to burn ; 
and when the water is sufficiently impregnated with the acid ^as. 
filtering the solution to render it clear and transparent. If the 
article to be preserved shows any indications of putrefaction, it 
should be put in a solution of chloride of lime, till deprived of its 
putrid smell and tendency, and then washed clean ; after which it 
may be put into the acid solution, without danger of Spoiling. 
No. 7. Molasses Mixture. 
According to Sir George Mackenzie, articles may be preserved 
in casks, &c. by filling them with a mixture composed of one mea- 
sure of molasses, one of salt, and fifteen or sixteen of water. If 
the vessel be of wood, two small holes should be left open for the 
escape of air, and the introduction of additional liquid for twenty- 
four hours, when the apertures may be closed. In glass vessels the 
removal of the stoppers will of course answer for the holes. He 
has specimens that have been preserved four months in this way. 
* As it is not all dissolved, the water must be strained, in order to procure a 
transparent solution. 
