solution. The whole is then thoroughly | These strips are then coated with a agitated and, while yet warm, com- varnish to protect them from moisture pounded with the necessary quantity and to prevent their ignition by friction of coloring matter, and finally allowed during transportation, etc. Colored to cool. varnish may be used to distinguish the part containing the phosphorus from the ends of the sheet left uncoated. Matches without Phosphorus. Prepare a paste of 10 parts of dextrine, 75 of pulverized chlorate of potassium, 35 of pulverized plumbic dioxide, and a like quantity of pulverized pyrites with the necessary quantity of water, and dip the end of the splints into the com The green iridescent bronze color, which is in great demand, requires for the above solution of lacquer 80 parts of crystallized fuchsine, or 28 parts of methyl-violet. To produce violet an addition of only part of methyl-violet is required; for blue part of aniline blue soluble in water; for orange 4 parts of aniline orange; for blue-green part of methyl-green. For yellow-pound. green 2 parts of blue-green are mixed with 1 of orange; and for red 32 parts of coralline with an addition of 2 parts of caustic soda-lye, dissolved in the above lacquer. All these colors cover easily the head of the match, and, when dry, possess the brilliant gloss desired. Matches without Phosphorus, of an excellent quality, and in the manufacture of which there is not the slightest danger, are obtained from the following mixture: 53.8 parts of chlorate of potassium, 10 of gum-Arabic, 3 of gum tragacanth, 6 of pyrolusite, 6 of ferric oxide, 12 of pulverized glass, 5 of bichromate of potassium, 3 of sulphur, 1.2 of chalk, and sufficient water. Paraffine or sulphur is used for transmitting the flame to the wood. The matches can only be ignited by being struck on a surface composed of the following mixture: Five parts of antimony trisulphide, 3 of amorphous phosphorus, 14 of pyrolusite, and 4 of glue. Amorces d'Allumettes are matches prepared from 20 parts of phosphorus, 5.5 of gun-cotton, 5 of pulverized wood charcoal, 5 of iron filings, 51.5 of sulphur, and 10 of gum. Anti-phosphorus Matches. The paste for the friction surface consists of minium, sand, and amorphous phosphorus rubbed up with a solution of gum-Arabic and applied with a brush; or of 10 parts of amorphous phosphorus, 8 of pyrolusite or antimony trisulphide, and 3 to 6 of glue dissolved in water. To prepare the matches the ends are first dipped into melted sulphur, stearic acid, or wax, and then into a compound of 6 parts of chlorate of potassium and 2 to 3 of trisulphide of antimony mixed with a solution of 1 part of glue in water. It must be remarked here that Nickle's Process of Preparing an the mixture of bichromate of potassium Amorphous Phosphorus from the Ordiand antimony is exceedingly danger-nary Article. The conversion of ordious, as it is easily ignited by a shock or nary into amorphous phosphorus is acfriction. complished by heating ordinary phosMatches Inextinguishable by the phorus from 446° to 482° F. in a closed Wind. Sheets of paper, thin paste-iron boiler. After 3 or 4 weeks the board, or wood are saturated with a phosphorus is found to be converted solution of saltpetre in water to which into a red, brittle mass which is ground has been added some substance emitting by millstones under water, and sepaan agreeable odor while burning. When rated from the ordinary phosphorus the sheets are dry, a thin layer of a either by bisulphide of carbon or caustic phosphorus compound, as is used in soda, in which the latter is soluble. the manufacture of friction matches, The temperature requires careful reguand to which some incombustible sub-lation, for if it is allowed to rise to 500° stance, as pulverized glass, fine sand, F. the amorphous phosphorus quickly etc., has been added, is placed between resumes the ordinary condition, evolvtwo of them, leaving a part of one ending the heat which it had absorbed durfree for handling. When dry the 2 sheets are pasted together, and this is cut up into strips of suitable shape. ing its conversion, and thus converting much of the phosphorus into vapor. This reconversion may be shown by heating a little amorphous phosphorus in a test-tube, when drops of ordinary phosphorus condense on the cool part of the tube. Ordinary phosphorus is very poisonous, while amorphous phosphorus appears to be harmless. The vapor of phosphorus produces a very injurious effect upon the persons engaged in the manufacture of matches, resulting in the decay of the lower jaw. This evil may be greatly mitigated by good ventilation or by diffusing turpentine vapor through the air of the workroom, or may be entirely obviated by substituting amorphous phosphorus for the ordinary variety. METAL INDUSTRY. heat them slowly. When taken from the fire let them cool by placing them in ashes. On opening the crucibles the steel will be found so soft that it can be engraved like copper. Welding Steel to Cast Iron may be accomplished by first shaping the steel so that it will correspond to the surface of the cast iron to which it is to be welded without forming a lap, then heating to a cherry-red, next applying borax to the surfaces to be united, and immediately heating the parts to a welding heat, after which a strong pressure applied without hammering will securely join the steel to the iron. Hardening and Welding Compounds. I. Hardening Compound. Pulverize and mix intimately 1 part of prussiate of potash, 1 of purified saltpetre, 1 of calcined cows' hoofs, of gum-Arabic, To Harden Cast Iron. Mix 2 pounds of concentrated sulphuric acid and 2% of aloes, and of common salt. Scatounces of nitric acid with 24 gallons of ter the compound upon the steel while water. Immerse the article at a cherry- at a red heat and upon the wrought red heat in this mixture. The surface iron while at a white heat, and burn it becomes very hard. thoroughly in. After cooling the hardened parts will be as hard as steel. To Give Iron Articles a Brilliant Lustre and Silvery Appearance. Pour 1 pint of alcohol of 90 per cent. over ounce of antimony trichloride (butter of antimony), 14 drachms of pulverized arsenious acid, and 14 ounces of elutriated bloodstone, and digest the whole at a moderate heat, frequently shaking it. In polishing the articles with this fluid a thin film of antimony and arsenic is precipitated upon them, which gives a beautiful appearance to the surface and protects it against oxidation. To Restore Burnt Cast Steel. Heat the article to a red heat and dust it with a mixture of 8 parts of red chromate of potassium, 4 of saltpetre, each of aloes and gum-Arabic, and 4 of rosin. Then heat it several times and cool it. If the article is to be especially hard take 8 parts of saltpetre and 3 of rosin. To Make Steel so Soft that it can be Worked like Copper. Pulverize beef bones, mix them with equal parts of loam and calves' hair, and stir the mixture into a thick paste with water. Apply a coat of this to the steel and place it in a crucible, cover this with another, fasten the two together with wire, and close the joint hermetically with clay. Then place the crucibles in the fire and II. Welding Compound for welding wrought iron to wrought iron at a red heat : 1 part by weight of borax, 1⁄2 of salammoniac, and of water. Boil these ingredients, with constant stirring, until the mixture is stiff, and then allow it to harden over the fire. When cool the compound is pulverized and intimately mixed with part of wrought-iron filings free from rust. The pieces to be welded together are first dovetailed or tied together, and the place to be welded is made red hot; the powder is then scattered upon it and liquefied over the fire. A few light taps with the hammer suffice to join the two pieces together. III. Welding Compound to Weld Steel to Wrought Iron at a Red Heat. Pulverize and mix with water 6 parts by weight of borax, 2 of sal-ammoniac, 1 of prussiate of potash, and of rosin. Boil the compound, stirring it constantly, until it forms a stiff paste, which is allowed to harden over the fire. When cold pulverize it and mix it with 1 part of wrought-iron filings free from rust. In using it scatter the powder upon the red-hot pieces and liquefy it over the fire. IV. Welding Compound to Weld Wrought Iron to Wrought Iron at a White Heat. Pulverize and mix 1|as otherwise the boric acid would exert part by weight of sal-ammoniac, 2 of a decomposing effect upon the ferroborax, 2 of prussiate of potash, and 4 cyanide of potassium. The thick paste of wrought-iron filings free from rust. is spread upon a sheet-iron plate in a Heat the pieces to be welded together layer at the utmost inch thick, and to a white heat, then scatter the powder dried at a very moderate heat. To 2 or 3 times upon the proper place, facilitate the drying, the paste is loosand liquefy it. Two or 3 vigorous taps ened and turned with a spatula, so that with the hammer will then suffice to lumps are formed, which are stored join the pieces. away. When it is to be used a sufficient quantity of one of the lumps is pulverized and scattered upon the article to be welded, which has been heated to a light-red heat. It is then heated to a strong yellow heat and the welding accomplished in the usual manner. V. Hardening Compound to Make Wrought Iron Very Hard. Cut into small pieces 1 part by weight of cow or horse's hoof and 2 of old leather, and add of common salt. These ingredients are placed in a heating-box together with the pieces to be hardened. The box is hermetically closed with clay and heated for 1 hour at a red heat, when the pieces are taken out and cooled in cold water. Welding Cast Steel. Take 64 parts of borax, 20 of sal-ammoniac, 10 of ferrocyanide of potassium, and 5 of rosin. The whole is boiled with the addition of some water, under constant stirring, until a homogeneous compound is formed, which is allowed to dry out slowly in the same iron vessel in which it has been boiled. An analysis of a sample of this welding compound formed the basis for the composition of the following compound, which is highly recommended. The welding is accomplished at a light-yellow heat, or between that and a white heat, and, as the quality of the steel is not in the least affected, it needs no further treatment. The compound is composed of 61 parts of borax, 174 of sal-ammoniac, 163 of ferrocyanide of potassium, and 5 of rosin. For welding steel to steel less of the ferrocyanide may be used. The borax and sal-ammoniac are pulverized, mixed, and gradually heated in a porcelain or iron vessel, until both melt in the water of crystallization of the first. A strong odor of ammonia is developed. The heating is continued, under constant stirring, until the odor of ammonia is scarcely perceptible, water being added from time to time to replace that lost by evaporation. The pulverized ferrocyanide and the rosin are then added, and the heating continued, under constant stirring, until a thick paste has been formed. As soon as a weak odor of cyanide is perceptible the heating is interrupted, In the above compound, and manner of preparing it, boracic acid and common salt are formed from the borax and sal-ammoniac, while ammonia escapes. The welding compound can therefore be directly prepared by mixing the following ingredients: 41.5 parts of boracic acid, 35 of pure, dry, common salt, 15.5 to 26.7 of ferrocyanide of potassium, 7.6 of rosin, and perhaps 3 to 5 of dry carbonate of sodium. This mixture does excellent service, is, in fact, as good as the above compound and far easier prepared. It has only the disadvantage of not remaining entirely unaltered if kept for any length of time, but gradually decomposes and assumes a blue color. But this, as the compound is so easily prepared, is a minor evil. To Harden Files and other Steel Instruments. The files, etc., are first coated with a paste prepared by boil ing glue and salt in yeast, and thickened by an addition of wood charcoal and graphite (black lead). Upon this coat is scattered a coarse powder consisting of a mixture of horn, wood charcoal, and common salt. A solid crust is formed upon the files which protects them from a displacement of the cuts by the metal and conveys to them oxygen while being heated. For tempering, the files are brought into a lead bath. To prevent the oxidation of the lead on the surface a mixture of potash, soda, and tartar is scattered upon it. The files remain in the bath from 5 to 8 minutes, according to their thickness, and are then immersed in water. To Re-sharpen Files. Well-worn files are first carefully cleansed with hot water and soda; they are then brought into connection with the positive pole of a battery, in a bath composed of 40 parts of sulphuric acid and 1000 of water. The negative is formed of a copper spiral surrounding the files but not touching them; the coil terminating in a wire which rises to the surface. This arrangement is the result of practical experience. When the files have been in the bath for 10 minutes they are taken out, washed, and dried, when the whole of the hollows will be found to have been attacked in a sensible manner; but should the effect not be sufficient, they are replaced in the bath for the same period as before. Sometimes two operations are necessary, but seldom more. The files thus treated are to all appearance like new ones and good for 60 hours' work. Hardening Compound for Thin Steel. Dr. Hartmann recommends to add about 1 pound of rosin to the usual mixture, composed of 1 gallon of train oil, 2 pounds of beef suet, and 4 ounces of wax. He also recommends another compound, consisting of 95 parts of spermaceti oil, 10 of melted tallow, 4 of neat's-foot oil, of pitch, and 1 of rosin. cold and will no more enter the sealing. wax. The extreme hardness of steel thus prepared enables it to engrave or bore steel hardened by other processes, the boring or engraving tool being first dipped in oil of turpentine. Hardening Water. Two quarts of water, 1 quart of urine, 14 ounces of saltpetre, 2 ounces of common salt, and ounce of sal-ammoniac. Poncelet's Fluids for Hardening Steel Articles. I. Ten pounds of rosin, 5 pounds of train oil, 2 pounds of lard, and 4 ounces of assafoetida. By using this bath the steel, even if frequently heated, retains its former peculiarities. II. This is especially used for hardening cutlery. Two pounds of refined borax, 4 pounds of sal-ammoniac, 3 quarts of water, and 4 ounces of French red wine. III. Three pounds of sal-ammoniac, 1 pound of potash, 4 gallons of water, pints of red wine or wine vinegar, and 1 pound of tartaric acid. 1 New Case-hardening Compound. This compound is very efficacious for case-hardening iron. It consists of 16 parts of lampblack, 18 of sal-soda, 4 of muriate of soda, and 1 of black oxide of manganese. To Obtain Smooth Castings it is highly recommended to mix with the green sand forming the mould about part of tar. The mixture is employed without the addition of any other substance. New Process of Hardening Gunbarrels. The barrel to be hardened is placed in a gas-pipe of suitable size, the lower end of which is made narrow to prevent the barrel from slipping out while in a vertical position. Several To Harden Saws and Springs. The of such pipes containing gun-barrels following composition is highly recomare then heated to a red heat in a re- mended: Four and a half pounds of verberatory furnace, when some harden- suet and 8 ounces of beeswax are ing compound is thrown into every bar-boiled with 2 gallons of whale oil. rel. The pipes are now taken from the furnace, placed in a vertical position under a hose, and hardening water is passed through each barrel under a pressure of to atmosphere. It is very suitable to add a small quantity of sulphuric and nitric acids to the hardening water. To Harden Steel in Sealing-wax. Watch and clock-makers and engravers harden their steel in sealing wax. The article is heated to a white heat and thrust into sealing-wax, allowed to remain for a second, then withdrawn, and again inserted in another part. This treatment is continued till the steel is This will serve for thin articles and most kinds of steel. For thicker pieces about 24 pounds of black rosin is added to the above compound, but it should be judiciously added, or the articles will become too hard and brittle. The usual way of proceeding is to heat the saws in long furnaces and then to immerse them horizontally and edgewise in a long trough containing the composition. Two troughs are generally used alternately. Part of the compound is wiped off with a piece of leather when the articles are removed from the trough. They are then heated one by one over a clear coke fire until the grease inflames; this is called blazing off." When the saws are wanted to be rather hard, but little of the grease is burned off; when less, a large portion; and for a spring temper the whole is allowed to burn away. When the work is thick or irregularly thick and thin, as in some springs, a second and third application is burned off to insure equality of temper at all places. To Convert Iron into Steel. J. H. Wilson, of Liverpool, uses the following process which he has patented in England: Forty-six pounds of wroughtiron waste, 2 pounds of spiegel iron, of ferro-manganese, and 6 ounces of wood charcoal are melted together; to this may be added ounce of borax and ounce of chlorate of potassium. Hard Silver. By melting together 100 parts of silver, 3.5 parts of iron, 2 parts of cobalt, and part of nickel, a compound is obtained which, by cooling in cold water, becomes hard as glass, and in hot water as hard as spring steel. Malleable Brass. Thirty-three parts of copper are liquefied in a looselycovered crucible, and 25 parts of purified zinc added under constant stirring. The zinc must be as free from iron as possible, and the copper from lead. The alloy is cast in moulding sand into bars. It is easily wrought at a red heat; in a cold state it can be stretched under the hammer; at a white heat it spits (scatters) under the hammer. Very Tenacious Brass is prepared from 54 parts of copper and 46 of zinc, but both metals must be absolutely free from tin and lead. Steel Wire for Musical Instruments. It is of the greatest importance that these wires should possess great solidity combined with a certain degree of elasticity. It becomes, therefore, necessary to anneal the wires to a certain degree after they have been hardened, the accomplishment of which presents many difficulties. Webster and Horsfall first harden the wire by heating it to a red heat and then cooling suddenly. To obtain a constant temperature for annealing they use a metallic mixture of 40 parts of lead, 26 of antimony, 22 of tin, 21 of zinc, and 1 of bismuth. These ingredi ents are melted together in a wroughtiron vessel, carefully stirred, and heated to just above the melting point. The hardened wire to be annealed is then brought into this bath and kept there, according to its thickness, sufficiently long to acquire a uniform temperature. It is then cooled by immersing in water, which will give it all the qualities demanded for piano strings. To Weld Copper. A mixture is employed composed of 358 parts of phosphate of sodium and 124 of boracic acid. The powder is applied when the metal is at a dull-red heat; it is then brought to a cherry-red, and at once hammered. As the metal is very apt to soften when exposed to a high degree of heat, a wooden hammer is recommended. All carbonaceous matters must be carefully removed from the surfaces to be joined, as the success of the operation depends on the formation of a very fusible phosphate of copper, which would be reduced by the carbon to the state of a phosphide. The phosphate of copper dissolves a thin film of oxide on the surfaces of the metal, keeping these clean and in a condition to weld. Another Process is as follows: The two pieces of copper to be united having been previously shaped so that the surfaces form a lap or other suitable joint, borax is applied on and between the surfaces of the joint, which are then heated and hammered. The borax is prepared by being heated until all the water of crystallization has evaporated, when the residue pulverized for use. After being hammered while hot, the joint is further heated to a white heat, and sprinkled over with common salt or other equivalent compound suitable for the exclusion of oxygen, and then welded; or during the welding operation a current of chlorine gas may be directed upon the heated copper joint. New Process of preparing Malleable Nickel. Nickel in a melted state absorbs considerable quantities of oxygen becoming thereby brittle and unsuited for working. The evil can be remedied by adding to the melted nickel a substance which not only absorbs oxygen. with avidity, but possesses also great affinity for nickel. The object is partly |