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This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1856 Excerpt: ...upon chance; for the crystals will sometimes form irregularly even when the utmost care has been taken. Dissolve alum in a little more than twice as much water as will be necessary for the de... More

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1856 Excerpt: ...upon chance; for the crystals will sometimes form irregularly even when the utmost care has been taken. Dissolve alum in a little more than twice as much water as will be necessary for the depth of the basket, handle and all. Put in as much alum as the water will dissolve; when it will take no more, it is then called a saturated solution of alum; when we say a thing is saturated we mean it is as full as it can be. In this state it should be poured into a saucepan, or earthen jar (by no means put in iron), and slowly boiled until it is nearly half evaporated. The basket should then be suspended from a little stick, laid across the top of the jar, in such a manner that both basket and handle will be covered by the solution. It must be set away in a cool place, where not the slightest motion will disturb the formation of the crystals. The reason the basket becomes encrusted is, that hot water will hold more alum in solution than cold water; and, as it cools, the alum which the water will not hold rests on the basket. The frame may be made in any shape you fancy. It is usually made of small wire, woven in and out like basket-work; but many prefer a common willow-basket for a frame; whether it be wire or willow, a rough surface must be produced by winding every part with thread or worsted. Bright yellow crystals may be produced by boiling gamboge, saffron, or turmeric, in the solution; and purple ones by a similar use of logwood; of course, the colour will be more or less deep, according to the quantity used. Splendid blue crystals may be obtained by preparing the sulphate of copper, commonly called blue vitriol, in the same manner that alum is prepared. Great care must be taken not to drop it upon your clothes. In order to have alum crystals very clean and pure...

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