Stripping Silver.
Put some strong oil of vitriol in a similar vessel to those above described, apply heat, and during the process add a few crystals of saltpetre. When the solution has become hot enough the work should be immersed in it, and be moved about or agitated until the silver is dissolved from the surface. The articles should not be allowed to remain too long in the solution, and if it does not remove the silver quickly, more saltpetre should be added from time to time until the desired end be attained.
Soft Solder.
Pure tin, two parts; lead, one part. Melt and well incorporate together; when this is done pour into strips for use.
Soldering Fluid.
Muriatic acid (spirits of salts), three parts; metallic zinc, one part; or as much as the acid will take up. When dissolved and all effervescence ceases, allow it to settle, then decant the clear solution from the sediment at the bottom of the vessel in which it has been made, and it is ready for use. If a small quantity of water be added to the mixture at this stage, say one-sixth, it will answer quite as well for some purposes. For soldering iron and steel, a very small portion of sal ammoniac is of great advantage to the mixture for promoting toughness.
Dissolving fine silver.—Nitric acid, two parts; water, one part.
Dissolving silver alloys.—Nitric acid, one part; water, two parts.
Dissolving copper.—Nitric acid, one part; water, four parts.
Dissolving soft solder.—Perchloride of iron, one part; water, four parts.