Youngs Demonstrative Translation of Scientific Secrets | Page 7

be permitted to pass
out between the top tub and barrel, which comes in at the holes in the
bottom. The shavings which fill the barrel must be soaked three or four

days in good vinegar before they are put in. When thus arranged, for
every gallon of water use 1/2 lb. of sugar; (that you get from molasses
barrels does vary well.) If you wish to make vinegar from whiskey, put
in 4 gallons of water to 1 gallon of whiskey; and if from cider, put in
one-third water, and fill the top tub with this fluid, putting 1 pint good
yeast to each barrel making; and have the holes with threads or twine so
arranged that it will run through every twelve hours; and dip or pump
up with a wooden pump every night or morning, and three days will
make good substantial vinegar, which will keep and also improve by
age. Some use only 1 gallon of whiskey to 7 gallons of water. This
accounts for so much poor vinegar. Make good vinegar, it will pay you.
If a few gallons of water is made boiling hot so as to warm the whole of
a gentle warmth, it will make faster than if used cold. This must be
done in cool weather, and the room also should be kept warm. For
families, small kegs will do, but for manufacturers large casks are best.
Many make vinegar by just putting fluid into the barrels of shavings,
soaked as directed above, and do not let it run through, but let it stand
in the shavings till sour; but it does not work fast enough for
manufacturers. It will do where only a small amount is needed, keeping
the same strength of fluid as for the other plan, which is best. Two or
three years ago, this receipt was sold for from $50 to $150. If vinegar is
made from whiskey, it will have a more beautiful colour if 5 or 6 lbs. of
sugar is put into each barrel, of course keeping the same proportions of
water as though only one kind was used. The shavings will last the
whole season.
31. CUBA HONEY
Good brown sugar 11 lbs., water 1 quart, old bee honey in the comb 2
lbs., cream tartar 50 grains, gum arabic 1 oz., oil of peppermint 5 drops,
oil of rose 2 drops, mix and boil two or three minutes and remove from
the fire, have ready strained one quart of water, in which a
table-spoonful of pulverized slippery elm bark has stood sufficiently
long to make it ropy and thick life honey, mix this into the kettle with
egg well beat up, skim well in a few minutes, and when a little cool,
add two pounds of nice strained bees' honey, and then strain the whole,
and you will have not only an article which looks and tastes like honey,
but which possesses all its medicinal properties. It has been shipped in
large quantities under the name of Cuba honey. It will keep fresh and

nice for any length of time if properly covered.
32. EXCELLENT HONEY
Take 5 lbs. of good common sugar, two pounds of water, gradually
bring to a boil, skimming well, when cool, add 1 lb. bees' honey, and 4
drops of peppermint. If you desire a better article use white sugar and
1/2 lb. less water, and one half pound more honey.
33. GUNPOWDER
Take pulverized saltpetre, moisten it, and subject it to the action of a
slow fire until completely dried and granulated, of this take 75 parts,
purified sugar 12 and a-half parts, moisten and grind together till
completely blended, which will require several hours, pulverize on
heaters till dried.
34. EXCELLENT MATCHES
The ends of the tapers or wood should be very dry, and then dipped in
hot melted sulphur and laid aside to dry; then take 4 parts of glue,
dissolve it and while hot add one part of phosphorus, and stir in a few
spoonsful of fine whiting to bring to the proper thickness. This
preparation should be kept hot by being suspended over a lamp, while
dipping the wood or tapers. Colour the mixture by adding a little
vermillion, lamp black or prussian blue; be careful not to ignite the
compound while dipping.
35. FIRE AND WATER-PROOF CEMENT
To half a pint of milk add half a pint of vinegar to curdle it; then
separate the curd from the whey, and mix the whey with 4 or 5 eggs;
beating the whole well together; when it is well mixed, add a little
quick-lime through a sieve, until it has acquired the consistence of a
thick paste. This is a prime article for cementing marble, in or out of
the weather. It is excellent for