_Invented by Bécœur, Apothecary, Metz._
Arsenic, in powder, 2 pounds.
Camphor, 5 ounces.
White Soap, 2 pounds.
Salt of Tartar, 12 ounces.
Powdered Lime, 4 ounces.
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, ½ 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-five_ 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.