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This page contains a formula or preparation using substances now known to be dangerously toxic, such as arsenic, mercury, lead, or cyanide compounds. Exposure to these substances can cause severe poisoning, permanent injury, or death.
In addition, this page describes trade processes that use dangerously toxic materials such as cyanide solutions, mercury amalgams, or strong acids. These processes require training, equipment, and precautions far beyond what the text describes.
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Another (Melt together parts of copper)
Melt together 9 parts of copper and 1 part of tin; the above compounds are those used in the manufacture of small and great brass guns, swivels, etc.
The pieces of ordnance used by the besiegers at the battle of Prague, were actually melted by the frequency of the firing; the mixture of which they were made contained a large portion of lead; it would have been less prone to melt, and consewould have been less prone to melt, and consequently preferable, had it contained none. A mixture of copper amd tin is preferred to pure copper, not only for the casting of cannon, but of statues, etc., for pure copper, in running through the various parts of the mould, would lose so much of its heat as to set, or become solid too soon. Austrian Gun-metal (Aich's Metal), Remarkable for great strength, being stronger than gun-metal or wrought-iron, consists of copper, 55.04; zinc, 42.36; tin, .83; iron, 1.77. Aluminum Bronze Resembles gold in appearance; is said to be twice as strong as the best gun-metal; as light as wrought-iron; is not easily tarnished. It is easily stamped and engraved. It is composed of 10 parts of aluminum and 90 of copper. It requires to be re-melted, as the first melting is brittle.
Babbitt's Anti-friction Metal.
Mix together 24 parts of copper, 24 of tin and 8 of antimony. The tin, best quality of Bancoa, is to be added gradually to the melted composition.
Bell-metal.
Melt together 6 parts of copper and 2 of tin.
These proportions are the most approved for bells throughout Europe and in China.
Another. Some bells are made in the proportion of 10 parts of copper to 2 of tin. It may be in general observed, that a less proportion of tin is used for making church bells than clock bells, and that a little zinc is added for the bells of repeating watches and other small bells. Blanched Copper.
Melt together 8 oz. of copper and oz. of neutral arsenical salt, fused together, under a flux composed of calcined borax, charcoal dust, and finely-powdered glass.
Composition of Ancient Statues.
According to Pliny, the metal used by the Romans for their statues, and for the plates on which they engraved inscriptions, was composed in the following manner: They first melted a quantity of copper, into which they put a third of its weight of old copper, which had been long in use; to every 100 lbs. weight of this mixture they added 124 lbs. of an alloy composed of equal parts of lead and tin.
Muntz Metal Can be rolled and worked at a red heat. It consists of 6 parts of copper and 4 of zinc. Mock-platina.
Melt together 8 oz. of brass and 5 of spelter.
Fine Casting of Brass, etc.