free
from colour as any copal varnish." At the present time shellac is
bleached by filtration over animal charcoal.

Numerous experiments were afterwards made in the manufacture of
polishes; several chemists devoted their attention to its manufacture,
and an improved polish was soon produced which was used for a number of
years. The following are its proportions:--

Shellac 14 ounces.
Sandarach 3/4 ounce.
White resin 3/4 "
Benzoin 3/4 "
Gum thus 3/4 "
O.P. finishing spirit 1/2 a gallon.

The "filling-in" processes also began to be used, which effected a
considerable saving in the quantity of polish usually required, and in
consequence of the expensiveness of spirits of wine rectified spirits of
naphtha was used as a substitute for the making of polishes, etc.; but
it was discovered that its continued use soon affected the eyesight of
the workmen, and it had to be abandoned, the methylic alcohol, pyroxylic
spirit, or wood spirit, as it has been differently called, taking its
place. This was first discovered by Mr. Philip Taylor in 1812, and is
obtained by distilling wood. Messrs. Dumas & Peligot, after analysing
it, determined that it contained 37.5 per cent. of carbon, 12.5 per
cent. of hydrogen, and 50 per cent. of oxygen. When pure, it remains
clear in the atmosphere; but for the sake of economy it is often
employed in the manufacture of other compounds called methylated. This
spirit began to be much used in the manufacture of polishes and
varnishes in the year 1848, and has continued to be much used ever
since.

The wonderful improvements which have been effected in polishes since
their first introduction obviously prove that they have now arrived at a
very high point of perfection, and polishing is now justly acknowledged,
both by skilled artisans and connoisseurs, to be an important decorative
art. French polish or varnish at the present time can easily be obtained
at most chemists or oil shops, or direct from the manufacturers, amongst
whom may be mentioned Mr. W. Urquhart, 327, Edgware-road, W.; Messrs.
Turner & Sons, 7 to 9, Broad-street, Bloomsbury, W.C.; Messrs. William
Fox & Son, Bethnal Green-road, E.; Mr. G. Purdom, 49, Commercial-road,
E.

The London prices are: Best French polish, 5s. 6d. per gallon; best
white polish, 9s. per gallon; brown or white hard varnish, 8s. per
gallon; patent glaze, 10s. p