08-01-2019, 08:45 AM
(This post was last modified: 08-01-2019, 08:57 AM by Crispianus.)
In the context of the book I last quoted "The lead bleach 71", I've come to the conclusion that "Vitriol" refers to Sulphuric Acid which would put it in line with other books on the subject from the late 19th century.
As such I think it would be unlikely at best that "the lead bleach" would have been used in antiquity, even though it might have been possible to obtain a dilute solution of sulphuric acid from mine water, as I have seen some reference to mine water and Vitriol(from ancient authors unfortunatly I can't quote it at the moment), this doesn't however rule out White lead (lead acetate) as a pigment.
So I think that Threophastus is literally talking about dying White leather with sumac using it as a mordant or a colour, though its tanning properties cannot be disputed.
As such when Theophrastus refers to White leather in this context I think he's talking about tawed or cured leather(unsmoked).
As such I think it would be unlikely at best that "the lead bleach" would have been used in antiquity, even though it might have been possible to obtain a dilute solution of sulphuric acid from mine water, as I have seen some reference to mine water and Vitriol(from ancient authors unfortunatly I can't quote it at the moment), this doesn't however rule out White lead (lead acetate) as a pigment.
So I think that Threophastus is literally talking about dying White leather with sumac using it as a mordant or a colour, though its tanning properties cannot be disputed.
As such when Theophrastus refers to White leather in this context I think he's talking about tawed or cured leather(unsmoked).
Ivor
"And the four bare walls stand on the seashore. a wreck a skeleton a monument of that instability and vicissitude to which all things human are subject. Not a dwelling within sight, and the farm labourer, and curious traveller, are the only persons that ever visit the scene where once so many thousands were congregated." T.Lewin 1867
"And the four bare walls stand on the seashore. a wreck a skeleton a monument of that instability and vicissitude to which all things human are subject. Not a dwelling within sight, and the farm labourer, and curious traveller, are the only persons that ever visit the scene where once so many thousands were congregated." T.Lewin 1867
