Harper's New Monthly Magazine Vol. IV, No. 19, Dec 1851Various
History
Harper's New Monthly Magazine Vol. IV, No. 19, Dec 1851
Various
American literature -- Periodicals; Civilization -- Periodicals; Culture -- Periodicals
Let us explain those latter processes in more detail. If you dip a gold
ring or a sovereign into quicksilver, it will be silvered by it, and the
silvering will not come off. This union of theirs is called an amalgam.
On a ring or sovereign it is mere silvering; but when the gold is in a
state of powder, and the amalgamation takes place on a complete scale,
it forms a white, doughy mass, in which there is included much loose
quicksilver. This doughy mass is presently washed clear of all
impurities, and is then squeezed in skins or cloths, through the
pores of which loose quicksilver is forced, and saved for future
operations. The rest of the quicksilver is burnt out. Under a
moderately strong heat, quicksilver evaporates, or--to speak more
scientifically--sublimes; and gold does not. The amalgam, therefore,
being subjected to heat, the quicksilver escapes by sublimation, leaving
the gold pure. The quicksilver escapes by sublimation; but its owner
does not wish it quite to escape out of his premises, because it is an
expensive article. Chambers are therefore made over the ovens, in which
the mercury may once again condense, and whence it may be collected
again afterward. But, with all precaution, a considerable waste always
takes place. Other processes are also in use for the separation of gold
from its various alloys. We have described that which is of most
universal application. Let us not omit noting the significance of the
fact, that a quicksilver mine exists in California.
EYES MADE TO ORDER.
Contradictory opinions prevail as to the limits that should be assigned
to the privilege of calling Art to the aid of Nature. To some persons a
wig is the type of a false and hollow age; an emblem of deceit; a device
of ingenious vanity, covering the wearer with gross and unpardonable
deceit. In like manner, a crusade has been waged against the skill of
the dentist--against certain artificial "extents in aid" of symmetry
effected by the milliner.
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