25 4 
Lead. 
argil should be uniformly diffused through all the parts 
of the sand, it must be diluted in the water with which 
the sand is moistened, and the whole must be carefully 
mixed. 
It may be objected, that as cupells of sand do not ab- 
sorb so much litharge as those of ashes, more time will 
be required to terminate the operation of refining ; since, 
in the new process, the oxyd, instead of being absorbed, 
ought to flow from the furnace. This circumstance needs 
excite no uneasiness ; for the wind of the bellows, if well 
directed will make the litharge flow along the gutter more 
abundantly than if there had been an absorption. 
I have seen refiners in Germany, who, in constructing 
their cupells of ashes, formed in the middle of it a small 
circular depression the diameter of which was proportion* 
ed to the quantity of the silver which they knew to be 
contained in the lead subjected to the operation. By this 
excellent disposition no grains of that valuable metal re- 
main insulated from the cake ; the whole runs into the 
central bason, and forms a cake perfectly round. I would 
recommend this practice. 
I am certain that the cupells here proposed, if careful- 
ly and properly constructed, will be attended with com- 
plete success ; will be free from the inconveniences of 
those of ashes, and at the same time will be economical. 
I am desirous, for the benefit of metallurgy, that the me- 
thod here pointed out may be put in practice ; it will 
prove that we ought not to be too tenacious in adhering 
servilely to ancient usages or to the common routine of 
workmen. — 14 Philos . Mag . 210. 
Acetite of Lead . There are two acetous salts of lead i 
one wherein the vinegar is saturated, which is Goulard’s 
extract oi saturn, the quack medicine (though a good one) 
commonly used to apply to inflammations* burns and 
