To take the impression of Butterflies upon paper.
Clip the wings of the butterfly, lay them upon clean paper in the form of the insect when flying, spread some thick pure gum water on another piece of paper, press it upon the wings, and it will take them up, lay a piece of white paper over it, and rub it gently with your finger, or the smooth handle of a knife. The bodies are to be drawn in the space which you leave between the wings.
To Gild the edges of Writing Paper or leaves of Books.
Screw a quantity of pages strongly into a press, after being cut as smooth as possible, size them with isinglass-glue, mixed up with spirits of wine, and then apply the gold leaves, when the size arrives at a proper degree of dryness.
To clean Gilt Buckles, Chains, &c.
Dip a soft brush in water and rub a little soap on it, and brush the articles for a minute or two, then wash it clean, wipe it and place it near the fire till dry, then brush it with burnt bread finely powdered.
To make Liquid Gold and Silver, for Vellum Painting, Fans, &c.
Grind up gold and silver leaf with gum water or honey, in a mortar, then wash the gum or honey, and use the powder that remains with gum water. This may be applied to any article with a camel’s hair pencil, in the same way as any other colour.
How to produce Fire from a Cane.
Split a Chinese rattan, and strike the parts together when perfectly dry, and they will emit fire like a flint and steel.