Method of Dissolving Gum-Elastic

Method of dissolving gum-elastic, commonly
called Indian rubber. Translated from

Mr. Faujas de Saint Fond.

Take a pound of spirits of turpentine, as much
gum elastic, cut with very small scissors, into
very little pieces. Pour the spirit of turpentine in
a long, narrow necked receiver, which place upon
sand heated by a moderate fire; throw the gum in,  
not the whole at once, but a pinch at a time. When it is
dissolved, pour in a pound of lintseed oil, mixed with
a proper quantity of litharge, to assist its drying. Let
the whole boil a short time, and the mixture is prepa-
red.

Leather impregnated with this dissolution, is impene-
trable to water, and retains its former flexibility
Could not the mixture be used with advantage, in pre-
paring the leather for water ducts? Might not wet-wea-
ther shoes be rendered drier by the use of this mixture?