Take hyposulphite of soda 4 Ozs., dis solved in 1-1/2 pints of water; add a solution of 1 OZ. acetate of Lead in same quantity of water. Articles to be colored are placed in the mixture, which is then gradually heated to boiling. The effect of the solution is to make iron resemble blue steel; zinc becomes bronze, and copper or brass becomes successively yellowish-red, scarlet, deep blue, bluish white, and finally white with a tinge of rose. The solution has no effect on lead or tin. By replacing the acetate of lead in the solution with sulphate of copper, brass becomes of a fine rosy tint, then green, and finally of an iridescent brown color. Zinc does not cover in this solution"; but if boiled in a solution containing both lead and copper, it becomes covered with a black crust, which may be improved by a thin coating of wax.