What is called catgut is made from the inner or lining membrane
of the intestines of sheep. These are washed, soaked, scraped, and
otherwise prepared, to render them even and clear; they are then
soaked in a solution of pearlash to clear them from grease, twisted,
exposed to the vapour of sulphur, polished by rubbing, and afterwards
stretched and dried. Catgut is used not only for the strings of
violins and other musical instruments, but also for what is called
“clock-makers’ cord,” that is to say, for the bow by which the drill
is turned, and for several other purposes. It is very strong, and
does not easily get ragged, as would any hempen cord.