Composition to be put on Skins , Paper , or Linen . 7 5 
that the cotton was thereby dyed of a deep and very 
agreeable flesh colour; whereas, cotton which had not 
been prepared in that manner, came out of the bath al- 
most of its natural colour. This first trial promises ad- 
vantages which I mean to pursue. 
It may be right to observe, that this soap of wool may 
advantageously be made use of, instead of common soap, 
for domestic purposes. I have employed it, with the 
greatest success, in washing linen ; and it is particularly 
efficacious in scouring woollen garments, &c. I have no 
doubt that the facility and economy with which its prepa- 
ration is attended, will cause its use to, be extended to 
many other purposes ; in the mean time, I thought it right 
to give an account of the various ways in which I have 
applied it. 
I shall only add, that as the soap here described gives 
to woollens and cottons a grey tinge, which is very diffi- 
cult to remove, it follows that it cannot be used for wash- 
ing linen, unless it be made of white wool, carefully se- 
lected, and well washed. 
No. 16. 
Specification of the Patent granted to Mr. George Cum- 
mings, of Ludgate street , London , Toyman ; for his 
Invention of a Composition to put on all Sorts of Skins , 
Paper , or Linen, for drawing or writing on with Pen 
and Ink, or Pencil , and robbing clean off again * 
Dated March 31, 1764— Term expired. 
TO all to whom these presents shall come, &c. Now 
know ye that/ in compliance with the said proviso, 1 the 
said George Cummings do hereby declare, that my said 
* Repertory, vol. 7, p. 231.— This is what was called German asses-skin. 
