be examined by a clean dry point of bibulous paper, which soon shows, by its change of appearance, the transmission of any fluid 2 but attention is required that no false indication be produced by carelessly bringing the paper near the upper edges of the platinum, especially in the folded places. These minute holes do not occasion much harm in the furnace, but no fault should be allowed to pass which care can correct.
40. When the tray is faulty, the alcohol must be removed by a small siphon, the holes soldered in the manner before described (32), and the tray again tried. When it proves good, it is, after the removal of the alcohol, to be heated red-hot in every part by the flame of a large spirit-lamp, and then reserved with care in a clean place until required;
41. If the platinum has been used before, it should first be ascertained that none of the glass from the former experiment remain on it. If there be any portion, the plate must be returned to the weak acid or pickle out of which it has been taken. If free from glass, it should then be examined as to any chemical injury it may have suffered. Any part which is altered in appearance, or has been attacked by the acid, or which tarnishes when heated to redness by the spirit-lamp, has been thus affected; and it will depend upon the extent of the action whether the plate is unfit for further use. No chemical injury is occasioned by the proper and successful performance of an experiment.
42. An examination for holes by the candle or lamp must next be made, especially in the folds at the corners and where adhesion of the platinum from welding may have occurred, and any that are discovered are to be marked as before (31). The plate should then be flattened by being put between two sheets of writing-paper upon a smooth table, and the edge of a folding knife or some other smooth substance drawn over it; but if this be done whilst old glass adheres to the plate, it is almost certain to produce injury. The holes are then to be soldered and mended, the patches being applied upon the same side as before. The gauge for the new tray is to be applied to the plate, shifted, if there be occasion, from its old position, as before intimated (35), and the folding of the tray, its completion and examination, to take place as before.
43. It is desirable never to cut the platinum smaller than can
