FoodNetArchive

Dr. M'Millan's formulas and domestic guide

1882

Page 149

Presented as published in 1882. Historical recipes may not meet modern food-safety standards. Cook from the modern interpretation, not the original instructions.
scale intervenes, the boiler must be heated to 700^ Fahrenheit, almost a low red heat. The higher the temperature at which the iron is kept, the more rapidly it oxidizes, and at any temperature above 600° it soon becomes granular and brittle from carbonization or conversion into the state of cast iron. Weakness ot boiler thus produced predis- poses to sudden explosions and makes expensive repairs necessary. To prevent the formation of scale, another recommends the use of tannate of soda. This is put into the boiler at regular inter- vals, in amounts proportioned to the hardness of the water. It quickly dissolves, and without foaming or injury to the boiler, effectively accom- plishes the desired result. In the reaction which takes place, the tannic acid leaves the soda and combines with the lime of the carbonates to form tannate of lime. This is precipitated as a light flocculent am.orphus substance (flaky mass, with no definite form), which does not subside, but eventually finds its way to the mud receiver in the comparatively still water, of which it is depos- ited as a mushy sediment that may be readily blown off as often as required. The sulphate of lime is decomposed by the carbonate of soda of the first reaction, soluble sulphate of soda and carbonate of lime being formed. The latter is con- verted into tannate of lime by fresh portions of tannate of soda. The presence of the alkali pre- vents all action of the acid on the iron. Exten- sive trials of this method have demonstrated its 414 DOMESTIC GUIDE. utility in all kinds of boilers, and its efficacy, safety, economy, ease of application and adaptability will commend it for general use. TANNING SKINS WITH THE HAIR OR FUR ON. First thoroughly soak the skins in soft water, and, with an old knife or sword-shaped stick, or a piece of an old scythe about 2 feet long, with a handle of wood at each end, remove all the flesh and fat, and trim off skirts or rough edges. Then make a mixture of pulverized alum i pound, with salt yi, pound, and wheat bran 2 handfuls, formed into a paste with a little water, and spread over each skin (this makes enough for one skin only); then roll it up and let it lie in the shade 3 or 4 days; then shake off, and rub, and pull the skin as it begins to get a little dry, until it is soft and pliable, and the great job of tanning a sheep skin or deer skin, as the case may be, is done. NO. 2. Nail the fresh skin tightly to a board, the flesh side out;- then, with a blunt knife, remove all the fat and flesh, and in fine chalk until the chalk be- gins to powder and fall off; then loosen the skin and coat it well with finely powdered alum, and roll it up and let it lay 3 or 4 days in a dry place, after which shake out the alum, and then rub and pull as ab -ve until it gets pliable, and the work is com- plete MISCELLANEOUS DIVISION. 415 MAXIMS WORTH LEARNING. Attend carefully to details of your business ! Be prompt in all things! Consider well, then decide positively' Dare to do right! Fear to do wrong! Endure trials patiently! Fight life's battle bravely, manfully! Go not in the society of the vicious! Hold integrity sacred! Injure not another's reputation or business! Join hands only with the virtuous! Keep your mind from evil thoughts! Lie not for any consideration ! Make few acquaintances!