Talc by itself not furnishing a beautiful white, it is mixed, according to circumstances, with _subnitrate of bismuth_ (_flake-white_), _magnesia_, _chalk_ or _zinc-white_. _White lead_, though frequently used, cannot be recommended, it being injurious to health. Subnitrate of bismuth furnishes the best white; it has, however, the disadvantage of turning brown in air containing sulphuretted hydrogen. Zinc-white does not have this defect, but lacks the lustre and pure white color. Customary mixtures for powders are as follows:-- I. Carbonate of magnesia and wheat starch each 5 parts, prepared talc 15, zinc-white 10. II. Carbonate of magnesia and chalk each 5 parts, prepared talc 15, subnitrate of bismuth 20. The powders are prepared in three colors: white, rose-color and yellowish. To heighten the white color the powder is mixed with about ⅓ of one per cent. of ultra-marine. For rose color some carmine is used, and for coloring yellowish some carmine and yellow ochre. A powder for coloring more intensely red is prepared as follows: Mix 100 parts of prepared talc with 2.5 or more parts of carmine, according to the desired shade of color. The carmine is triturated by itself and in small portions added to the talc. It should not be dissolved, as given in many directions, in ammonia, it losing thereby its fiery red. To obtain an especially delicate powder, the finished article should be carefully bolted through silk. SOLID PAINTS.--Solid paints may be prepared from the above-mentioned powders by stirring them to a paste with thin gum solution. _Ordinary red paint_ (_rouge_).--Prepared talc 2 lbs., carmine 1 oz., gum-tragacanth mucilage prepared from distilled water 3½ ozs. and gum-tragacanth 2¼ drachms, best olive oil 5½ drachms, best alcohol 1 oz., spirits of sal ammoniac ½ tablespoonful, distilled water as much as required. _Fine red paint_ (_rouge_).--Prepared talc 2 lbs., carmine 1½ ozs., gum-tragacanth mucilage prepared from distilled water 3½ ozs. and gum-tragacanth 2¼ drachms, best olive oil 5½ drachms, _Extrait rose_ No. 1, 1 oz., spirits of sal ammoniac ½ tablespoonful, rose water as much as required. _White paint._--Prepared talc 2 lbs., gum-tragacanth mucilage prepared from distilled water 3½ ozs. and gum-tragacanth 2¼ drachms, best olive oil 5½ drachms, _Extrait rose_ No. 1, 1 oz., rose water as much as required. The above-mentioned paints may be filled in small porcelain boxes, which must, however, be hermetically closed to prevent drying out. To obviate the latter, the paints may be mixed with glycerin, which must, however, be carefully done so that the mass does not become liquid; too much glycerin may also make the paint blue.