VIOLIN VARNISH A Plausible Re-creation of the Varnish Used by the Italian Violin Makers Between the Years 1550 and 1750, A. D. By JOSEPH MICHELMAN Published by JOSEPH MICHELMAN, Cincinnati, Ohio, U. S. A. 1946 Introduction PUBLICATION OF THIS BOOK is approached with a little temerity. After more than eight years of extensive research on the varnish used by the Italian Violin Makers from 1550 to 1750 A. D., it has not been possible to corroborate the results in the chemical laboratory. This is due entirely to the unavailability of samples of the varnish for confirmatory analysis. Violins made by the Italian masters of this period are so valuable and so scarce that a small sample of the varnish has not been procurable for experi mental purposes. Therefore, synthesis must precede analysis .... and with no assistance from the latter. This, then, will explain the sub-title of this book as A Plausible Re-creation of the Varnish Used by the Italian Makers Between the Years 1550 and 1750 A. D. However, the results of this investigation are so logical and so deeply supported by a vast amount of convincing evidence, that publication of the book is in order. First, possibly the find ings will be confirmed, or otherwise, by investigators who may be more fortunate in having access to material from authentic violins made by the old masters. Confirmatory chemical tests will be suggested it should be comparatively simple, especially through modern micro-analytical methods, to determine the presence of certain constituents in the varnish. Secondly, possibly the results will be suggestive to others so that the confirmed rediscovery of the so-called lost art of var nishing violins will eventually ensue.It is unfortunate that this policy of freely exchanging ideas and information has not gen erally existed. Almost every violin-maker has his own private formulas for varnishes, which he treasures highly and guards closely. The secret of the old Italian masters has defied dis covery for nearly one hundred years, and any disclosures that will shed light on the mystery should be made. vi VIOLIN VARNISH Thirdly, the results may be interesting from a chemical stand point the literature investigated does not contain many refer ences to similarly colored vaniishes. The varnishes are perfectly transparent and many are exceedingly permanent, which may be of interest to paint and varnish chemists. Investigators in the realm of colloid chemistry may be interested in the organosols that will be discussed. If the results of this investigation are eventually confirmed, then it must follow that the varnish makers of medieval times produced Synthesized their own resins. The synthetic resin would then become a product of the 16th cen tury and not belong exclusively to more recent years as hereto fore pre-supposed. Lastly, and most important of all, publication of these results should make freely and permanently accessible to violinists, and lovers of the instrument throughout the world, violins that satisfy the criteria that have been established for the instruments cellos and basses included of the old Italian makers. . . . The instru ments of these masters are now two hundred to four hundred years old. Their violins are made entirely of wood held to gether only with glue and cannot be expected to withstand the ravages of time forever. . . . Then too, better instruments should be made more universallyavailable to violinists students as well as amateurs and professional players. Deserving playere are too frequently deprived of the advantages of good quality instru ments and are compelled to use ill-sounding, unresponsive violins with a resulting decrease in interest and advancement. Further improvement in the quality of modern violins is desired, and that improvement should approach the standards established by the old Italian masters. The subject matter of this book will of necessity become tech nical, especially when the theoretical aspects are considered...

This groundbreaking study of coinage in early medieval England is the first to take account of the very significant additions to the corpus of southern English coins discovered in recent years and to situate this evidence within the wider historical context of Anglo-Saxon England and its continental neighbours. Its nine chapters integrate historical and numismatic research to explore who made early medieval coinage, who used it and why. The currency emerges as a significant resource accessible across society and, through analysis of its production, circulation and use, the author shows that control over coinage could be a major asset. This control was guided as much by ideology as by economics and embraced several levels of power, from kings down to individual craftsmen. Thematic in approach, this innovative book offers an engaging, wide-ranging account of Anglo-Saxon coinage as a unique and revealing gauge for the interaction of society, economy and government.

The electric vehicle market has been gradually gaining prominence in the world due to the rise in pollution levels caused by traditional IC engine-based vehicles. The advantages of electric vehicles are multi-pronged in terms of cost, energy efficiency, and environmental impact. The running and maintenance cost are considerably less than traditional models. The harmful exhaust emissions are reduced, besides the greenhouse gas emissions, when the electric vehicle is supplied from a renewable energy source. However, apart from some Western nations, many developing and underdeveloped countries have yet to take up this initiative. This lack of enthusiasm has been primarily attributed to the capital investment required for charging infrastructure and the slow transition of energy generation from the fossil fuel to the renewable energy format. Currently, there are very few charging stations, and the construction of the same needs to be ramped up to supplement the growth of electric vehicles. Grid integration issues also crop up when the electric vehicle is used to either do supply addition to or draw power from the grid. These problems need to be fixed at all the levels to enhance the future of energy efficient transportation. Electric Vehicles and the Future of Energy Efficient Transportation explores the growth and adoption of electric vehicles for the purpose of sustainable transportation and presents a critical analysis in terms of the economics, technology, and environmental perspectives of electric vehicles. The chapters cover the benefits and limitations of electric vehicles, techno-economic feasibility of the technologies being developed, and the impact this has on society. Specific points of discussion include electric vehicle architecture, wireless power transfer, battery management, and renewable resources. This book is of interest for individuals in the automotive sector and allied industries, policymakers, practitioners, engineers, technicians, researchers, academicians, and students looking for updated information on the technology, economics, policy, and environmental aspects of electric vehicles.

Text extracted from opening pages of book: The Collector's Hand-Book ON POTTERY af PORCELAIN HV WILLIAM CHAFFERS REVISED AN1* CONSIDERABLY AUGMENTED BY FREDERICK LITCHFIELD The Collector's Hand-Book OK flarfts anli Konoramg on POTTERY ftP PORCELAIN Of the Renaissance and Modern Periods SELECTED FROM HIS LARGER WORK ( EIGHTH EDITION) KNTITI. KO 41 fHarfas anto fHcmagrams on )

Cigarette Cards and How To Collect Them By I.O. Evans 200 pages Contents include: Introduction - The beginnings of the cards - Trade cards - Types of card - Production and distribution - The subject matter of the cards - Imperial and foreign issues - Rare cards and curiosities -Making a collection - Storage and classification - The cigarette card trade - The uses of card collecting - A suggested classification of cigarette cards Originally published in 1937. Many of the earliest books, particularly those dating back to the 1900s and before, are now extremely scarce and increasingly expensive. Obscure Press are republishing these classic works in affordable, high quality, modern editions, using the original text and artwork.

..". [Annie Hwang's] poetry sings for every aching soul....talks about every loving heart....Speaks of the unflinching reality of life....Cries for the dreams that we all are craving for....." -Munia Khan

"In the early transition from the long-lived flintlock system, handgun development closely paralleled that of the long arms. With the advent of the revolving pistols, however; came patents that created monopolies in revolver production and the through-bored cylinder necessary for self-contained metallic cartridges. The caplock revolvers took on a separate evolution and remained state of the art long after the widespread appearance of cartridge firing rifles and shotguns. They rode in the holsters of of explorers and adventurers across the world and granted safe conduct in the back-alleys of the Industrial West right up until the last quarter of the 19th Century. Handguns possess a mystique distinctly different from that of other firearms. They are tools of personal empowerment-chosen by their owners to provide independence and freedom of movement. In the ambitious, optimistic early years of western industrial civilization they were the emblem of liberty and equality and the bane of repressive governments and social movements. Largely because of the traditions that emerged in the time of the caplock pistols and revolvers, they remain so in the early years of the 21st Century."

Originally published in London 1924. A wonderful collection of prose and verse on the joys of smoking, tobacco, pipes snuff etc, since Raleigh's time. Contents include: History. - Tobacco. - Pipe Songs and Fancies. - Woman and the Weed. - Some Great Pipemen. - Cigars. - Cigarettes. - Snuff. - Virtues of the leaf. - Parodies. - Pipe Varieties. - Tobacco and Books. - Philosophy of Smoke. - Recipes and Hints. - Smoking Accessories. - Bibliography.etc Many of the earliest books, particularly those dating back to the 1900s and before, are now extremely scarce and increasingly expensive. Home Farm Books are republishing these classic works in affordable, high quality, modern editions, using the original text and artwork.

Learn how to create a home you'll love with this illustrated full-colour practical guide from the Sunday Times bestselling author and star of the hit primetime show The Repair Shop, Jay Blades. Even if you've never put up a shelf, repainted a room or fixed a dripping tap, you'll soon have the confidence and skills to tackle these DIY jobs and many more with Jay's help! With tales of his own do-it-yourself escapades and plenty of inspiration from his favourite home fixes, this accessible and entertaining guide will give you all the knowledge you need to choose the right wall plugs, revamp those old dining chairs and give your bathroom a whole new lease of life without breaking the bank. DIY with Jay is a room-by-room guide to doing it yourself: from laying new kitchen flooring and building your own BBQ to making new sofa covers and choosing the right bedroom vibe for the best night's sleep. Based on his own many years of experience as a furniture restorer, this manual provides tips and problem solvers for anyone hoping to embark on a new DIY journey. With tools, terms and expert advice, you'll be able to give new life to your home for years to come.

While there are more than 15,000 museums in our country, visitors get to see only about five percent of any institution's collections. Most museums simply don't have room to display everything they've got. However, there are a wide variety of surprising and intriguing reasons that, for example, the Smithsonian Institution doesn't display its collection of condoms, Florida's Lightner Museum locks up all but one of its shrunken heads, and a world-class stash of Japanese erotica (shunga) art was kept in the Honolulu Museum of Art's storage until only recently. Each item or collection included in this volume is described and placed in context with stories and interviews that explore the historical, social, cultural, political, environmental, or other circumstances that led to keeping that object or group of objects out of public view--the ultimate museum buff's voyeuristic experience. Color photographs of the artifacts are included.

Text extracted from opening pages of book: The Collector's Hand-Book ON POTTERY af PORCELAIN HV WILLIAM CHAFFERS REVISED AN1* CONSIDERABLY AUGMENTED BY FREDERICK LITCHFIELD The Collector's Hand-Book OK flarfts anli Konoramg on POTTERY ftP PORCELAIN Of the Renaissance and Modern Periods SELECTED FROM HIS LARGER WORK ( EIGHTH EDITION) KNTITI. KO 41 fHarfas anto fHcmagrams on )