Important: Safety Warning
This page contains a formula or preparation using substances now known to be dangerously toxic, such as arsenic, mercury, lead, or cyanide compounds. Exposure to these substances can cause severe poisoning, permanent injury, or death.
In addition, this page describes trade processes that use dangerously toxic materials such as cyanide solutions, mercury amalgams, or strong acids. These processes require training, equipment, and precautions far beyond what the text describes.
This information has been left in for historical purposes but should not be acted upon.
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Silvering Solution
Prepare a solution of 1 part cyanide of potassium in 6 parts water; add it to a concentrated aqueous solution of nitrate of silver (free from acid) until the precipitate is redissolved. Mix this solution with fine chalk, and apply after previous cleaning of the objects.