To prove the stability of encaustic colours, I have mentioned but two experiments; they are sufficient; from them we may draw the following
Conclusions.
First, that encaustic colours, having resisted the injuries of the weather better than oil-colours, for the space of twenty-seven months, they will prove more lasting than oil-colours for a greater space of time.
Secondly, that having resisted the effects of the corrosives, alkali and aqua fortis, &c. the circumambient air, howsoever impregnated with saline particles, cannot affect them.
Thirdly, that if pictures of this kind receive any hurt, fire will restore them.
The most celebrated men of antiquity, celebrated the performances of their painters; if their colours had not been as lasting as their skill was great, some one might have left us regretful instances. They left us none.
Was Wax the preserver of their colours?
FINIS.
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As the foregoing Treatise is written and published with an intention to communicate a discovery that will prove of infinite advantage to the loveliest of arts, in all its branches; the author, conscious of wanting the necessary qualifications of a writer in a language not natural to him, hopes for indulgence, for all the inaccuracies and improprieties of expression he may and must have fallen into: as to facts, he begs leave to assure the public, that nothing has been advanced but what is strictly true.