by boiling the small shreds of vellum, so as to convert them into a jelly; but care should be taken that no fragments of parchment be used, because the skins of goats and sheep are unfit for such purpose.
For a simple method of restoring damaged parchment, so as to render the writing on it legible, see the title Deed, in p. 128-9, of our 2d volume.
A patent was lately granted to Mr. Hitchcock, for converting old skins of parchment or vellum into leather.—Although we doubt the practical tendency of the patentee's ingenious, but complicated processes; yet, in the present instance, as they may be applied to other useful purposes, we shall observe, that he endeavours first to reduce the skins to their natural state, by washing them well and often in water for 24 hours; then removing them for a similar time to a bath composed of 112lb. of white vitriol, 1lb. of cream of tartar, and 1 oz. of sal ammoniac, dissolved in 20 gallons of water. In order to soften their texture, and to discharge the lime, he adds to this liquor 10lb. of oil of vitriol, 1lb. of aqua-fortis, and one pint of spirit of salt; in which acid bath the skins are to be steeped only for a short time. After washing them properly, rinsing out all the acid, and completely wringing out the water, without tearing the skins, they are to be immersed and well soaked in a tanning liquor, composed of 20lbs. of oak-bark, 7lbs. of sumach, 5lbs. of elm-bark, 3lbs. of sassafras, and the same quantity of lignum-vitæ shavings mixed with 20 gallons of water, previously warmed (probably, boiled), for 12 hours, and cooled to the temperature of new milk, before the skins are immersed. Next, they are to be tanned in the common way, with oak-bark, or oak and sumach, then washed and dried. Lastly, to make the renovated leather water-proof, it should first be soaked for five or six days in linseed or nut-oil; and, after wringing out the superfluous oil, the skin ought to be repeatedly dressed with the following composition: Take 7lbs. of nut, or linseed oil; red-lead, litharge, sugar of lead, white vitriol, bees-wax, resin, and pitch, 1lb. of each: melt them together over a moderate fire.
PARENT, a term of relation applied to those persons from whom we derive our temporal existence.
The moral duties of parents towards their offspring, being a subject not immediately connected with our plan, we shall not enter into any ethical inquiry, but confine our attention to their legal duties; that is, such as they owe to their legitimate children, respecting their maintenance, education, and protection.
1. With regard to their maintenance, it is a principle both of law and nature, that every man is bound to provide for his offspring. The father and mother, and also the grandsire and grandmother of feeble and poor descendants, are obliged by the 43 Eliz. c. 2, to support them at their own expence (provided they be able), in such manner as shall be directed by the quarter-sessions; and, if a man abscond, and desert his children, the 5 Geo. I. c. 8, directs the church-wardens and overseers of his parish to seize his property, and dispose of it for their relief. Thus, it has been wisely established by these
