I remember reading in an old French work the process used in illuminating
parchments, and remember that the gilding was laid upon garlic juice; it
might very possibly be diluted with proof spirits of wine; at all events,
no parchments can bear water at whatever time they may have been prepared:
the process of making them wear out with water would turn them into
leather. The work I allude to was brought out, I recollect, under the
auspices of the French Academy.