CHAP. XXVIII.
To make fine blue Wax, which is very difficult to be had.
Take an ounce of mountain blue, or blue ashes, an ounce of fine mastic, the fifth of an ounce of true Venice turpentine; then get a small iron pot or pan, well cleaned, and made so as to have a little spout or beak; put the mastic in it first, which is to be melted on the fire, taking care that it does not burn; then mix the turpentine with it: this mixture being done, take the pan from the fire and put the blue ashes in it; then stir it all well with a little stick: take care when you put in the blue ashes that the other ingredients are not too hot, as that would make the colour too black: when all is well mixed, and before it is quite cold, take two pieces of glass, which must be made wet with water; then pour on one of them this composition, in order to roll it in sticks under your fingers, which must be wet.
In order to give this wax the necessary polish, pass the sticks over the flame of spirits of wine, which are to be lighted for this purpose.