PAPIER-MACHE.
Reading edition
Papier-Mache.—Pulped paper moulded into forms. It possesses great strength and is a valuable article in the manufacturing of cases for Daguerreotypes. It may be rendered partially water-proof by the addition of sulphate of iron, quicklime, and glue, or white of eggs, to the pulp; and incumbustible by the addition of borax and phosphate of soda. The papier-mache Daguerreotype cases, tea-trays, waiters, snuff-boxes, &c., are prepared by pasting or glueing sheets of paper together, and submitting them to powerful pressure, by which the composition acquires the hardness of a board when dry. Such articles are often inlaid with mother of pearl, and japanned, and are then perfectly water-proof.
