Mr Cameron rni a new method of maMng Crucibles., 81 
branches during that time. The plant now measures 7^ feet 
between the extremity of the root and the top of the branches^ 
and the stem at the thickest part is 5| inches in circumference. 
The two drawings are very correct representations of the 
plant in its different stages^ and for which I am indebted to the 
kindness of R. K. Greville, Esq. 
Botanic Garden, > ' 
ISth fehruo/ry 18S0. ) 
Art. .^^Description (f" a new method of forming Crucibles. 
By Mr Charles Cameron, Glasgow. Communicated by 
the Author 
The Dutch have long enjoyed an almost exclusive monopor 
ly in the manufacture of the small melting-pot or clay crvicible, 
used by the jeweller and silver-smith. The English potter has 
hitherto fmled in imitating those imported from Holland, either 
in point of shape or quality, in sustaining the sudden transit 
tions of temperature to which they are subjected. Iii conse- 
quence of their superiority, they were an article of great inte- 
rest tq the jeweller during the period of the last war ; sqine-? 
times they could not be procured, and at other times they sold 
at five and six times their present price. The English melting- 
pot was then in request from necessity ; it is now entirely out of 
the market. About two years ago I was led, by a curious train 
of reasoning, to conceiyp the practicability of forming crucibles 
similar to the Dutch, by a simple method, that of moulds made 
of sqlphate of lime or stucco, which would easily give any requir- 
ed form. 
I established a small manufactory of them, and carried it on 
for some time, but owing to particular circumstances I was ob- 
liged to relinquish it, after it had arrived at a state of perfec- 
* Along with this article, Mr Cameron has transmitted to us two of his stucco 
moulds and a bottle of the slip or fluid clay, with which we have repeatedly made 
several crucibles. The process is undoubtedly one of the most simple and beauti- 
ful applications of a scientific principle to the arts that can be imagined, and 
one not very likely to occur to ordinary minds. We are glad to learn that the Ma- 
gistrates of Gla^ow have adjudged to Mr Cameron, for this process, the premium 
of Ten Guineas, which they give annually for useful inventions.— Ed. 
VOL. III. NO. 5. JULY 1820 
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