Invented By BéCoeur, Apothecary, Metz
Arsenic, in powder,
- - -
Salt of Tartar,
Powdered Lime, -
The soap must be cut in small and very thin slices, put into a crucible with a small quantity of water, held over a gentle fire, and frequently stirred with a wooden spatula, or a piece of wood of any kind. When it is properly melted, the powdered lime and salt of tartar must then be added and thoroughly mixed. It must now be taken off the fire, the arsenic added gently, and stirred. The camphor must be reduced into a powder by beating it in a mortar, with the addition of a little spirits of wine. The camphor must then be added and the composition well mixed with a spatula while off the fire. It may be again placed on the fire to assist in making the ingredients incorporate properly, but not much heated, as the camphor will very rapidly escape. It may now be poured into glazed earthen pots and allowed to cool, after which a piece of paper should be placed over the top, and afterward some sheep leather, and then set aside for use. The composition is about the thickness of ordinary flour paste.
When it is necessary to use the soap, put as much as will answer the purpose into a preserve pot and add to it about an equal proportion of water. This is applied to the skin or feathers with a bristle brush.
N. B. It should be kept as close as possible and used with caution, as it is a deadly poison.
The above is the recipe made use of at the Jardin des Plantes, Paris.
Mr. Laurent's Recipe.
A distinguished French naturalist, Laurent, recommends the following composition, after ten years' experience, for preserving the skins of stuffed animals. He observes at the same time that it penetrates them with greater readiness, and preserves them much better than any preparation which has hitherto been in use.
Arseniate of Potash, - - -2 drachms.
Sulphate of Alumine, - - 2 drachms.
Powdered Camphor, - - -2 drachms. White Soap, powdered, 1/2 ounce.
Spirits of Wine, - 6 ounces.
Essence of Thyme, ... 3 drops.
The arseniate of potash, sulphate of alumine, and soap, are to be placed in a phial with a large mouth, and the spirits of wine to be poured on them at a heat of twenty-Jive degrees, and they will be perfectly combined in twenty-four hours. The essence of thyme is then added, when the phial must be carefully corked. This composition is to be shaken together before it is made use of, and it must be spread over the skin of the animal or bird with a brush.