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To Bleach Ivory

Ivory is whitened or bleached by rubbing it with fine- while yet damp, expose it to hydrogen gas. ly powdered pumice-stone and water, and ex- Wash it afterwards in clean water. Another • posing it to the sun whilst still moist, under plan of gilding ivory is by immersing it in a a glass shade, to prevent desiccation and the fresh solution of protosulphate of iron , and occurrence of cracks; observing to repeat afterwards in a solution of chloride of gold. the process until a proper effect is produced. 2006. To Silver Ivory. Immerse the Ivory may also be bleached by immersion for ivory in a weak solution of nitrate of silver, a short time in water holding a little sulphur- and let it remain till the solution has given it ous acid, chloride of lime, or chlorine in solu- a deep yellow color; then take it out and imtion; or by exposure to the fumes of burning merse it in clear water, and expose it in the water to the rays of the sun. In about 3 hours the ivory acquires a black color; but the black surface, on being rubbed, soon becomes changed to a brilliant silver. sulphur, largely diluted with air. In many cases where, as in piano keys, the ivory cannot be removed, the polishing process will be found partially successful.