Agatized soaps; with cameo, bas-reliefs, and other designs. The interior of these soaps differs in nothing from that of the ordinary soap; but their superficies is a conglomerate of materials or- ` namented on either side with white cameo casts, bas-reliefs, and beautiful antique heads.

Some are waved, others marbled; some again diaphanous and others agatized, or like aventurine quartz; each kind is differently perfumed. The figures in relief, and waved designs, are made upon the cold soap, by means of engraved dies and pressure. The form of a press suitable for this purpose, together with a sample die, is given at pp. 51-52.

Savon aux Concombres.-Take of the shavings of handsome, dry, white, inodorous soap 8 Oz., and melt them over a water-bath with 4 oz. oil of sweet almonds, and 8 oz. fresh pomade of cucumbers. Mix the whole together, and then run off into frames.

CHAPTER LII.

FLOTANT SOAPS.

THESE elegant soaps are of two kinds, the opaque and transparent; and some years ago Demarsan contributed the following information relative to their manufacture.

The simple opaque soap is composed solely of the oil of cocoa, whilst the compound opaque soap consists of cocoa-butter, lard, and oil of sweet almonds in equal parts, incorporated together with soda lye.

To obtain the transparent soap, amalgamate together with this lye, equal parts of cocoa-butter and suet. This soap, perfectly purified, can be brought to such a state of transparency, that objects can be seen through tablets of half an inch thickness, as well as through glass.

The flotant soaps are the product of a mechanical operation, by which their weight is lessened one-half without a corresponding diminution of bulk. Notwithstanding their comparatively high

price, the good qualities which they possess give them an extensive sale, and the article renders such satisfaction that, when once used, it is always afterwards preferred.

The process of coloring and perfuming them is the same as that used for soaps generally; the only difference is in the preparation of the paste, which is submitted to a particular operation. The apparatus for the purpose is a kettle (heated by a waterbath) in the centre, to the bottom of which is affixed a pivot, supporting a wooden beam, with arms or wings at its circumference, and turned by a crank fixed at its top, above the caldron. This arrangement completed, throw in 30 lbs. of almond, olive, or palm oil soap (the soaps of suet cannot be substituted), and melt it by a mild heat, with 4 to 6 lbs. of water. By constant agitation with the above machine the solution is soon completed, an abundant thick froth is formed, which mounts step by step, as it were, towards the top of the kettle; at this point it stops, for the soap has doubled its volume. It is now dipped out into the coolingframes. The duration of this process is only a few hours, if the temperature is not too high; on the contrary, when the heat is excessive, the rapid evaporation of the water prolongs the time con

siderably. These soaps are of very superior quality, mild and soft to the skin, and produce, with great facility, a thick and abundant lather. The mass, as above made, is perfumed to answer any desired label, and then formed into octagonal or round cakes. The wrappings or envelops should be of tasty design, and handsomely ornamented.

Transparent soap. This beautiful soap, formerly imported from England, when first introduced, astonished both consumers and manufacturers by its brilliant transparency. Many efforts were made to fathom its mode of fabrication, but for some time without success. The process, however, is no longer a mystery, for the article is well made in large quantities, and at prices nearly the same as those of other perfumed soaps. It is hard, of inconvenient use, and in time assumes a disagreeable odor; nevertheless, a handsome and captivating article is sure of an extensive sale.

To make it on a large scale, take of alcohol and finely shaved white suet soap, perfectly dried, equal parts, and distil them together over a water-bath so as to save the alcohol. Let the heat be so regulated as not to exceed 100°; otherwise, the evaporation being too rapid will cause an imperfect solution. With these precautions, the soap soon

liquefies. Let the mass rest now, and after some hours decant, free of sediment, into tin frames or forms, of the shape and design intended, for the soap. This soap, thus made, is not entirely transparent until it is perfectly dry-sometimes not until three or four weeks. It is then planed and formed into tablets or cakes in the manner employed for the other soaps. The coloring matters are preferable in concentrated alcoholic solution: thus, for instance, impart a red with tincture of alkanet, a deep yellow with tincture of turmeric.

Transparent soap, second method. Take of perfectly dry, pulverulent white soap, 2 lbs., alcohol, 36° B., three quarts; heat gently together over a water-bath, and when the solution is complete, perfume, and turn out into forms.

When cooled, divide it into cakes, one-third thicker than their designed size, so as to allow for contraction by evaporation.

Sweet Almond Soap.-As this is a high-priced superior soap, the choice of raw materials should be strictly select; for instance, the oil of sweet almonds must be free from rancidity, and the carbonate of soda perfectly pure. Dissolve the soda in water, and add one-third of its weight of hydrate of lime; stir the mixture frequently, and, after