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Court Plaster


This plaster is a kind of varnished silk, and its

manufacture is very easy. Bruise a sufficient quantity of Isinglass,

and let it soak in a little warm water for twenty-four hours. Expose it

to heat over the fire until the greater part of the water is dissipated

and supply its place by proof Spirits of Wine, which will combine with

the Isinglass. Strain the whole through a piece of open linen, taking

care that the cons
stency of the mixture shall be such that when cool

it may form a trembling jelly. Extend a piece of black or flesh-colored

silk on a wooden frame, and fix it in that position by means of tacks

or twine. Then apply the Isinglass, after it has been rendered liquid

by a gentle heat, to the silk with a brush of fine hair (badger's is

the best). As soon as this coating is dried, which will not be long,

apply a second, and afterward, if the article is to be very superior, a

third. When the whole is dry, cover it with two or three coatings of

the Balsam of Peru. This is the genuine court plaster. It is pliable

and never breaks, which is far from being the case with spurious

articles sold under the same name.



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