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...

Barbie has inspired generations to think and dream big. Let this Barbie oracle deck and guidebook remind you that You Can Do Anything!

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.

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.

Nestled in a remote area of northwestern Pennsylvania, the small town of Tidioute became home to five cutlery manufacturers starting in the late-1800s. Although no longer in existence, these businesses produced some of the finest collectible knives and razors ever.

"Tidioute: A Town With an Edge "relates the history and development of this unique stronghold of cutlery companies and how they competed with one another in the area known as the "Magic Circle" of cutlery firms. These manufacturers included the Tidioute Cutlery Co. (LTD), Union Razor/Union Cutlery, Baldwin Cutlery, Tidioute Cutlery Co. and Penn Cutlery.

With an ardent sense of detail, David Anthony shows how the cutlery tradition was handed down over multiple generations and involved keen business sense mixed with tragedy and luck. Anthony also includes photos of the various tang stamps used by the companies and a price guide to help determine the value of cutlery from this historic town.

A must-have for the serious collector of fine antique knives, particularly those manufactured in Tidioute, this guide is also an in-depth, well-researched record of this unique Pennsylvania community.

"Antique', 'vintage', 'previously owned', 'gently used', 'cast-off' n the world of second hand encompasses as many attitudes as there are names for it. The popular perception is that second- hand shops are largely full of junk, yet the rise of vintage fashion and the increasing desire for consumer individuality show that second hand shopping is also very much about style. Drawing on six years of original research, Second-Hand Cultures explores what happens when the often contradictory motivations behind style and survival strategies are brought together. What does second hand buying and selling tell us about the state of contemporary consumption? How do items that begin life as new get recycled and reclaimed? How do second hand goods challenge the future of retail consumption and what do the unique shopping environments in which they are found tell us about the social relations of exchange?Answering these questions and many more, this book fills a major gap in consumption studies. Gregson and Crewe argue that second hand cultures are critical to any understanding of how consumption is actually practised. Following the life stories of goods as they travel into and through second hand sites, the authors look at the work of traders as well as consumers' investments in second hand merchandise n including gifting and collecting as well as rituals of personalization and possession. Through its revealing investigation into the practices and customs that make up these unconventional retail worlds, this much-needed study carefully unpacks the persuasive allure of the 'previously owned'.

Originally published in 1898. This comprehensive and well illustrated book will enable the explorer of churches to more fully appreciate the true value of those ancient brazen memorials which adorn many pavements, walls and interiors. Contents Include: Origin and History of the Manufacture of Brasses Making a Collection Classes of Effigies Brasses of Knights Ladies Civilians Shroud Brasses Accessories Additional Classes A Literary Guide List of Counties and Places etc.

A comprehensive and practical guide to the United States Treasury bond market, this timely book offers a detailed introduction to the workings of the largest government debt market in the world and the investment opportunities it provides.

Wann begins by outlining the history and development of the market, explaining how it operates and examining the parts played by dealers, investors, and the U.S. government authorities. The U.S. Treasury market is compared with the UK gilts market and its economic and political background is analyzed. He goes on to provide an introduction to investment theory and analytical methods, including yield and return calculations, and looks at futures and options contracts on treasury bonds. The book concludes with a consideration of more advanced investment theory and investment strategies. The appendices include bond-equivalent yield calculations, formal mathematical proofs, statistical data on U.S. government finances since 1789, and a comprehensive glossary. Written by the Senior Economist in the London office of a major U.S. investment house, "Inside the U.S. Treasury Market" is an authoritative and important book. It will be particularly useful for fund managers, investment analysts, brokers, bankers, and corporate treasurers.

A brilliant blend of Shop Class as Soulcraft and The Orchid Thief, Earl Swift's wise, funny, and captivating Auto Biography follows an outlaw-genius auto mechanic as he painstakingly attempts to restores a classic 1957 Chevy to its former glory--all while the FBI and local law enforcement close in.

To Tommy Arney, the old cars at Moyock Muscle are archeological artifacts, twentieth-century fossils that represent a place and a people utterly devoted to the automobile and transformed by it. But to his rural North Carolina town, they're not history; they're junk. When Tommy acquires a rusted out wreck of an old Chevy and promises to return it to a shiny, chromed work of American art, he sees one last chance to salvage his respect, keep himself out of jail, and save his business. But for this folk hero who is often on the wrong side of the law, the odds of success are long, especially when the FBI, local authorities, and the bank are closing in.

Written for motor heads and automotive novices alike, Auto biography interweaves this improbable hero's journey with the story of one iconic car to chart the rise, fall, and rebirth of the American Dream. Told in words and eight pages of photos, this wise, charming, and heartbreaking true story is an indelible portrait of a man, a machine, and a nation on the road from a glorious past into an unknown future.

Did you know the first battery-powered vehicle was created in the 1830s? People who attended the 1892 World's Fair in Chicago could see one. And in 1894, you could buy an "Electrobat" and travel 25 miles on a single charge! Since then, EVs have surged in popularity and have become much more technologically advanced. Learn the history of EVs, how they work, why they're good for the environment, and discover the future of the electric vehicle! Created in collaboration with the Smithsonian Institution, this Spanish Smithsonian Informational Text builds reading skills while engaging students' curiosity about STEAM topics through real-world examples. Packed with factoids and informative sidebars, it features a hands-on STEAM challenge that is perfect for use in a makerspace and teaches students every step of the engineering design process. Make STEAM career connections with career advice from actual Smithsonian employees working in STEAM fields. Discover engineering innovations that solve real-world problems with content that touches on all aspects of STEAM: Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts, and Math!

This early work is a fascinating read for any antique enthusiast or historian. Its 191 pages are extensively illustrated with full page and text plates. Contents Include: The Colonial Styles - Jacobean or Stuart, William and Mary, queen Anne-Early Georgian, Chippendale, The Federal Styles - Hepplewhite, Shearer, and Early Sheraton, American Directoire, American Empire, Decoration - Interior Architecture, and Decorative Accessories. Many of the earliest books, particularly those dating back to the 1900s and before, are now extremely scarce and increasingly expensive. We are republishing these classic works in affordable, high quality, modern editions, using the original text and artwork.

Once, nutmeg was worth its weight in gold. For much of human history, the tiny Banda Islands in Indonesia were the only source of this esteemed spice. From the age of the Silk Roads through to the mid-19th century partial shift of production to the Caribbean, covering battles between the Honourable East India Company and the Dutch Verenigde Oostindische Compagnie, this book traces the story of nutmeg, revealing its extensive and often surprising influence over conflict, politics, social mores, and Western society. Beautiful antique silver, gold, enamel, bone, ivory, treen and Tunbridgeware graters and rasps demonstrate how much nutmeg was valued throughout history. This book gathers pictures of some of the finest examples world-wide, alongside mechanical and base metal graters and spice containers. It illustrates, and provides useful information on, the history of pomanders which were associated with nutmeg, as this spice was once thought to ward off pestilence and plague. Combining the social history of nutmeg with explanations of the spice production and transportation process, and illustrating in detail examples in international nutmeg grater collections and museums, this book is the essential reference work for collectors, antique dealers and auctioneers.

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.