smoothed by the burnisher, it is then slightly moistened by a sponge
dipped in clean water and squeezed in the hand; the gold leaf is now
taken up on a piece of cotton from the leathern cushion and applied
on the moistened surface; when dry it is to be burnished by rubbing
the burnisher over it repeatedly from end to end, taking care not
to wound the surface by the point.


17. PROFESSOR WORTS' AMALGAM FOR SILVERING

This is the only means yet discovered for silvering iron directly,
yet it is not so lasting as some of the other processes. Take
quicksilver and the metal potassium, equal parts by volume, put them
together in a tumbler, and if both metals be good there will be a
brisk ebullition, which continues until an amalgam of the two is
formed, then add as much quicksilver as there is of the amalgam; let
it work till thoroughly mixed, and it is ready for use. This amalgam
you may apply with a cloth to any metal, even iron, though it be a
rusty bar, and you have it neatly silvered over.


18. FOR COPPERING IRON

This is the latest method, and that now in use. To a solution of
sulphate of copper, add a solution of ferrocyanide of pottasium, so
long as a precipitate continues to be formed. This is allowed to
settle, and the clear liquor being decanted the vessel is filled
with water, and when the precipitate settles the liquor is again
decanted, and continue to repeat these washings until the sulphate
of potash is washed quite out; this is known by adding a little