S 2S] FOS reception of the hot calx while it falls, or is disengaged. And if sometimes a proper proportion of sal-ammoniac, or other menstruum, be thrown in among the coals, &c. while purifying, that operation will be, in a considerable degree, faci- litated. When the calces are thus pre- pared, a portion of them, and also a quantity of fossil-coal, or puii- iied coals, are to be put into a smelting furnace, beneath which a fire is to be kindled. Apertures are also to be made for the intro- duction of inflammable air, from one or more retorts, by means of pipes, either singly or conjointly with air-llast. Limestone, char- coal, and other substances abound- ing with inflammable air, may be added in due proportions, and will have an effect similar to that pro- duced by the inflammable air alone, for which it may be occasionally substituted. The patentee observes, that the proportionate quantities of the various materials employed, can only be ascertained by experience ; and the result of this process will be the production of a tough metal, capable of being applied to several useful purposes. FOSSIL-PITCH, or Hardened Rock-oil, Petroleum induratum $ a bituminous production (see Bi- tumens), which consists of two varieties. 1. The Asphttlhcm, or pure Fos- sil-pitch, which is found in the shores of the Dead and Red Seas ; in various parts of Europe. Jt ' brittle substance, • ■ i< II, and ext( i : I la< k or brown colour, but v Inn i xp08< d to tli' raj g <it light, a deep red. — It is chiefly bj w at( h-dial makers, who • with lamp-black, and oil of FOU turpentine. The preparation of this compound is said to be kept secret by certain persons at Stras-? burgh, in Alsatia. 2. The Pi.v viontana Impiira, or Pisaspiicdtinn, which is found in Sweden, Italy, and other parts of Europe. It coheres like slag, or the dregs of iron, and is of the co- lour of black-lead ; but, if subject- ed to strong heat, it is soon vola- tilized ; and, if left in the retort, a liquid substance distils into the re- ceiver, resembling rock oil. — This mineral oil is never used in Eng- land as a medicine ; but in France the common people give it in drops for hystpric complaints, and also to their children, with a view to expel worms. FOl ■ L, a disorder in cattle, which proceeds from a peculiar state of the blood, and a watery rheum that descends into the legs, and occasions swellings. To remove this malady, it has been advised to throw the diseased quadruped on its back, and to tie its legs together, when the skin is to be siit with a sharp knife, in a straight direction, above the heel. After this opera- tion, a plaster consisting of nettles, garlick, and salt, should be applied to the wound, for a day or two : thus, it is said, the animal will be i In vlually recovered. The appellation/oai, is also given to a swelling between the clefts, or claws of cloven-footed cattle : ii is produced by a worm, and gradually increases till it breaks, at the sam< rime < ausing the affect- ed creature to halt. To expedite the cure of ibis complaint, the ru- mor is directed to be lanced, be- fore it is thoroughly ripe, and as soon as the matter is dischai the wound should be anointed with a mixture of tar and grease. By I 1 - ..
