To Soften Iron Or Steel
Either of the following simple methods will make iron or steel as soft
as lead:
1. Anoint it all over with tallow; temper it in a gentle charcoal
fire, and let it cool of itself.
2. Take a little clay, cover your iron with it, temper it in a
charcoal fire.
3. When the iron or steel is red-hot, strew hellebore on it.
4. Quench the iron or steel in the juice or water of common beans.
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