The practical electroplater. A comprehensive treatise on electroplating, with notes on ancient and modern gilding, and formulas for new solutions

Preface

"1§N The Practical Electroplated many processes, (rfl the results of unremitting research by me during the past twenty years, are published for the first time, in the belief that they will be of incalculable value to the electroplating world. The arts and industries -are making rapid strides through the researches of those eminent in their various branches, and it is fitting that the trade to which I appeal for support in this my latest venture should have at its disposal those formulas and methods which have been of infinite value to me.

The world is advancing, new ideas and discoveries are freely propagated, and ambition ever leads onward. Any progressive step is immediately noted and used for the benefit of the world at large. Imbued with this spirit, and as a friend of progress, I have thought fit to place within the reach of those interested the results of my investigations.

Paris, the centre of art and intellect, aroused my enthusiastic admiration for its masterpieces and its inventors, and stimulated me to original research, while at the same time my son and I received marks of hospitality and good feeling from Parisians which shall never be effaced from my memory. There it was that I had the good fortune to adiv PREFACE.

vance by rapid strides in the industry to which I had become passionately attached. To Paris therefore, la ville lumilre, as Hugo calls it, this work is dedicated, and it is hoped that the reader will appreciate the sentiment which prompts this dedication. It cannot be denied that France is the birthplace and centre of modern art, that the Parisians are the Athenians of to-day, and that France is the worthy successor of ancient Greece in matters of art.

It is confidently believed that the present work will meet a long felt want in the electroplating trade. Because I address myself to the workingman I have not endeavored to make a literary reputation by this work, and have therefore avoided the use of scientific terms. I appeal to the worker, not to the scientist, though both classes will derive much benefit from these pages. Nigh 200 articles and formulas for solutions, &c, are given, and everything has been explained in a clear and explicit manner. It is a practical book for practical men, and will be found very helpful in any electroplating shop.

The list of contents will enable the reader to form an idea of the value of The Practical Electroplater. Lengthy articles on ancient and modern gilding form the opening chapters, and much space is devoted to the best manner of removing the green, a matter of prime importance to the electroplater. Almost equally important are the processes which are given for gilding, as brass and bronze gilding, dip gilding with and without the aid of a battery, &c; silverplating, oxidizing brass, bronze, copper, &c, and many other matters of interest. On the subject of electrotyping my collaborator is Mr. P. M. Furlong, one

PREFACE. v

of the highest authorities in the United States in that business, who has furnished an extremely able article.

The working jeweler has not been overlooked, and several chapters have been devoted to the matters that most concern him in the conduct of his business. Valuable hints and suggestions will be found under the heads of "Refining Sweeps," "Refining Auriferous Metal," "Recovering Jewelers' Waste," " Testing Gold," and " Testing Silver."

Thanks are due to the following named gentlemen for the aid afforded me in the compilation of this work : Prof. F. B. Crocker, Dr. S. S. Wheeler, Mr. P. M. Furlong, Mr. Boby, Dr. W. H. Wahl, Mr. J. Swinburne, and my son, Mr. Emile Brunor.

I must make special mention of the signal services rendered me by Mr. John E. Jennings for his aid throughout in carefully editing the matter for the press, for his attention to the proof sheets, and for his able translation of my French writing into English.

MARTIN BRUNOR New York, January, 1894.