Important: Safety Warning
This page contains instructions involving gunpowder or other explosive or pyrotechnic compositions. Preparing explosives as described has caused severe injuries and deaths, and is illegal in most places.
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.
Silvering Mirrors
Silver, instead of mercury, is now much used for this purpose. The deposition is effected by pouring over the glass a mixture of alcohol, nitrate of silver, carbonate of ammonia, and ammonia, to which has been added a few drops of oil of cloves. A gentle heat is applied for two or three hours, when the surface becomes coated. The residue is poured off, the film of silver dried and varnished.