562 
BULLETIN OF THE UNITED STATES FISH COMMISSION. 
Bisulphite of lime. — The Meclloch & Bailey method of iireserving is said to be one 
of the most successful of antiseptic processes. The solution used is made of equal 
parts of water and bisulphite of lime of 105 sp. gr. Fish cured in this solution are 
claimed not to have an unpleasant flavor. 
Acetate of alumina. — Meat and fish are covered with a coating of gum, then 
immersed in acetate of alumina, then a solution of gelatin, allowing the whole to dry 
on the surface. The antiseptic acetate of alumina forms an insoluble compound with 
the gelatin and prevents decomposition by excluding air from the substance. 
Benzoin and alum. — In the preservation of meat and fish by the Pagliare process 
they are immersed in a compound of gum benzoin boiled in a solution of alum, and 
excess of moisture is driven off by a current of hot air, leaving the antiseptic on the 
surface of the fish or meat. 
Salicylic acid and alcohol. — To 50 grams of salicylic acid is added 300 grams of 
rectified alcohol. White blotting paper is well saturated in this mixture and left to 
dry. By this mixture the paper becomes full of little red pricks and has a sweetish 
taste. The fish are wrapped in this iiaper and packed rather loosely in dry hay. By 
this method it is claimed that fish or game can be transported at any time during 
the summer without danger of spoiling. 
Bicarbonate of soda and saccharine matter. — Take 40 parts of bicarbonate of soda 
and 00 parts of saccharine matter, such as sugar, and mix them in enough water to 
form a thick paste or sirup, which is applied with a brush to the surface of the fish 
to be preserved. The fish so coated are suspended in a shady place for an hour or so 
and then exposed to an air current until the surface is thoroughly dried. By soaking 
the fish in water for 3 hours or more the coating is dissolved, when the fish may be 
prepared for the table. (Letters Patent No. 474581, dated 1892.) 
Fluoride of sodium and chloride of sodmm. — A mixture made of 80 jiarts fluoride of 
sodium with 20 parts of common salt gives the best results, but the proportions may 
be varied according to conditions. This may be used either in the form of a powder or 
dissolved in water. When the flsli are to be preserved a considerable length of time 
they should be soaked in the antiseptic solution ; but when they are to be preserved 
for a short time only they may be sprinkled with the powder. It is claimed that this 
antiseptic does not exert an injurious influence on the digestive fluids, but on the 
contrary is rather beneficial. 
Miscellaneous. — The following is said to be the composition of a number of propri- 
etary antiseptics used iu Europe and to some extent in this country : 
Composition. 
Per cent. 
Composition. 
Per cent. 
Sozolithe ; 
37. 3 
Tlio “Minerva” Chinese preservative: 
Chloride of sodium 
25 
39. 7 
"Rnrip. 
17. 7 
21 
Sulphate of soda 
38.8 
W o+pr 
2 
Sulphite 
Concentrated berlinite : 
Water 
9^3 
Crystallized borax 
82.7 
Australian salt: 
9.8 
Crystallized borax - 
94 
7.5 
Chloride of sodium 
5. 5 
Paechel berlinite t 
Some bydrocarburet 
.5 
Chloride of sodium 
45.9 
Rugers barmenide: 
32. 3 
JBoric acid 
50 
19. 3 
Chloride of sodium 
50 
Water 
2.5 
