This collection of recipes and formulas for making various articles which are in constant use in every household are, for the most part, articles upon which very large profits are made, both by manufacturers and dealers; some things, which cost but two or three cents to make, being retailed for as much as twenty-five cents. We point out to you the proper method to be pursued in the manufacture of these various articles, and expect you to use your own judgment and discretion in the matter of putting them up for market, and exposing them for sale. The goods, when ready for market, may be sold either direct to consumers at retail, or to store-keepers at wholesale. Those who adopt the former method may canvass from house to house, or establish a store and sell therefrom. The various ingredients required to compound all the different articles for which recipes are here given may be purchased at wholesale drug and grocery stores in any of the large cities. Large fortunes have been made upon the manufacture of single articles, for which recipes are here given, and there is no reason why any one may not acquire a competency in the same way, providing he has the necessary push and sagacity. Here is an opportunity to be your own manufacturer, your own wholesaler and your own retailer. Given these advantages, you may undersell those in the ordinary channels of trade, and still make handsome profits; and we trust that the information herein contained may be the means of starting many a poor person toward making a fortune or a good income.
Black Ink.—Ink, like soap, is something everybody uses, and few people realize that thousands of barrels of it are made and sold.
Recipe for making the best and most durable black writing ink, as used by the leading penmen of the United States and Canada.
To 2 gallons of strong decoction of logwood, well strained, add 1 1/2 lbs. blue galls in coarse powder, 6 ounces sulphate of iron, 1 oz. acetate of copper, 6 oz. of pulverized sugar, and 8 oz. of gum arabic; set the above on the fire until it begins to boil, strain, and then set it away until it has acquired the desired blackness. The strong “decoction of logwood” is made by boiling; use soft water, into which put two ounces of logwood; strain after taking from the fire.
The above ink properly made, according to the above directions, is unsurpassed for elegant writing of any kind. It flows freely from the pen, turns to a deep black after writing, and does not fade. Records written with it fifty years ago are as legible as the day they were put upon the paper.
Fig Candy.—Take 1 pound of sugar and 1 pint of water; set over a slow fire. When done, add a few drops of vinegar and a lump of butter, and pour into pans in which split figs are laid.
Red Sealing Wax.—Purchase 4 lbs. shellac, 1 1/2 lbs. venice turpentine, 3 lbs. finest cinnabar and 4 oz. venetian; mix the whole well together, and melt over a very slow fire. Pour it on a thick, smooth glass, or any other flat, smooth surface, and make it into 3, 6 or 10 sticks.
Silver Ink.—Mix 1 oz. of the finest pewter or block tin in shavings with 2 oz. quicksilver till all becomes fluid; then add to it sufficient gum arabic water to produce the proper consistency.
Yellow Ink.—A little alum added to saffron, in soft, hot water, makes a beautiful yellow ink.
Mucilage for Labels.—Dextrine, 2 ounces; glycerine, 1 drachm; alcohol, 1 ounce; water, 6 ounces.