Sour water. To every gallon of water, add one gill vitriol; stir thoroughly. Stuff steeped in this should be covered with the liquor, otherwise it will rot.
(2) Water in which bran has been made to grow sour. 24 bushels of bran are put in a tub, about 10 hogsheads of nearly boiling water is poured into it; acid fermentation soon begins, and in 25 hours it is ready to use.
(3) Throw some handfuls of bran into hot water and let it stand for 24 hours, or until the water becomes sour, when it is fit for use.
Staple. A term applied to cotton and wool indicating length of fibre.
Substantive Dye. A dye not requiring a mordant.
Sumach. Leaves and twigs of several species of Rhus, containing tannic acid. It is sold in the form of crushed leaves or as a powder (15-20% tannin).
Tram. Slightly twisted raw silk, used for weft.
Tyrian purple. A purple colour obtained from certain shell fish, such as Buccinum and Purpura. It is mentioned by Pliny as being discovered in 1400 b.c. It was a lost art in the Middle Ages.
Valonia. Acorn cups of certain species of oak from South Europe, containing 25-35% of tannic acid.
Vegetable alkali. Potash.