Secret and Now Freely Disclosed Experimental Secrets

might result in anything but a certain and desired outcome for everyone who performs a trial. It may indeed be that some readers encounter things here that are already known to them; however, I am confident that these are in the minority. Far more readers will find the subjects discussed in this treatiseoriginal German: "Tractate" entirely new—individuals who have often striven in vain to acquire such knowledge and for whom this sincere instruction and guidance will be a source of pleasure.

The dissolving of copal resin for lacqueringCopal is a hard, amber-like resin that was notoriously difficult to dissolve in solvents. Mastering a clear copal varnish was a high achievement in 18th-century finishing. has, until now, remained a great secret to most and has been sought after with genuine longing. This process is demonstrated very clearly here, and the method for applying the finest and most durable lacquer to metal and wood is thoroughly explained.

Fire gildingA process where a gold-mercury amalgam is applied to metal and then heated. The mercury evaporates—often creating toxic fumes for the artisan—leaving a permanent layer of gold., which sword-cutlersoriginal: "Schwerdtfeger." These were specialized artisans who finished, polished, and decorated sword blades and hilts. and all who possess the knowledge keep strictly secret, is revealed with complete honesty in this little treatise. The disclosure of this art alone is worthy of great esteem. The