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Scan 298
Old Violins And Their Makers, 1883
6 lines. Read by computer on 27 September 2026. Printed page 284. See the scan on archive.org.
1were to lose any of its strength it would not mix with the essential oil.
3I do not suppose it is now possible to get the old-fashioned dragon's blood, which was a product of Dracæna draco, one of the Liliaceæ, and yielded resin of the finest quality. Neither does that of Pterocarpus draco come to Europe now. This resin is, however, yielded by various trees. That most generally in use comes from Calamus draco, one of the rattan palms which grows in Borneo and Sumatra. It is sold in little sticks, globules, cakes, and lumps. The last form is the most profitable for yielding colouring matter; it has no taste nor smell when cold, but gives off a balsamic odour when burnt. It is, however, in commerce, often grossly adulterated, and sometimes a compound of common resin and powdered brick, Brazil wood, or red ochre, is baptised with its name. It should never be bought in powder, because of the facility which it offers in that condition for all kinds of falsification. It should be a deep red-brown when broken.
5Should there be any difficulty experienced in procuring alcohol of purity sufficient to ensure success in the working of the formulas given, the following will be found a simple and inexpensive means of obtaining it very rich from the ordinary methylated spirit which is to be had at an oilman's for about 7d. per pint. Procure from him at the same time a Florence flask, which will probably cost you nothing, as they are sometimes glad to get rid of them. Purchase, for a few pence, two or three feet of glass tubing, about the diameter of a quill pen, and a common lamp glass for about 3d. With these proceed to construct, in the
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