AMMONIA AND ITS USES.

Wairarapa Daily Times, Volume VII, Issue 2129, 26 October 1885, Page 2

AMMONIA AND ITS USES.

The solution of ammonia in water, or aqua ammonia, as it is called, is of great utility in the medicine chest, the bathroom, and the kitchen. It derived its name from the fact that the early chemists produced it from the horns of the deer or hart, and, as they regarded everything distilled a "spirit," they called this spirit of hartshorn. Two kinds of ammonia are kept in the stores, onethree times asstrong the other, so that the purchaser will have to designate, which kind - ifl desired. The weaker solution is the one to be used. The bottle containing ammonia must be closed with a glass stopper that is waxed, or with a rubber one. It is very violate, and. so'strong ,as to destroy a cork in a very short time.' Conbiiied with olive oil, and applied externally, it is especially good for sore throat, or in any case where a counter irritant is needed, Being a strong alkali, it is useful in neutralising acids," It will arrest their destructive action if used immediately, and will restore the color to black cloth if stained by tliem. Applied to a grease spot, it at once forms a soap which can bo washed out with a sponge and warm water. A mixture of equal parts of aqua ammonia and water is invaluable in cleansing woollen clothing. A little mixed in the water in which blankets or other fine flannels are to be washed will cause them •to dry soft and fluffy, and to appear like new. Combs and hair brushes can be kept always in presentable order if washed occasaionally in blood-warm water with onough ammonia added to make it smell strong. Take, two brushes, and rubbing the. bristles' sides against each other, will cause the grease and soil to disappear, leaving them bright and as good as new, In tho summer it is grateful if a small quantity is used in the bath; and ammonia is used in cleaning the hair, but only a very small quantity must he put into tho water, as too much will burn it and change the color, Freshening old black silk dresses and carpets can appropriately be added to the. list of uses to which this valuable agent can be applied.