The Leyden and Stockholm Papyri - University of Cincinnati

69. Coloring of Gold
Roasted misy, 3 parts; lamellose alum, (and) celandine, about 1
part; grind to the consistency of honey with the urine of a small
child and color the object; heat and immerse in cold water.
70. Writing in Letters of Gold
Take a quarter portion of tested gold, melt in a goldsmith’s crucible;
when it has become molten add a carat of lead; after it has
become alloyed, set it aside, cool and take a mortar of jasper,
throw in it the melted material; add 1 carat of natron and carefully
mix the powder with some strong vinegar, in the same manner as
for an eye-salve medicine, for three days; then when the mixture is
completed, incorporate 1 carat of lamellose alum, write and polish
with a tooth.
71. Writing in Letters of Gold
Soft leaves of Gold; pulverize with mercury in a mortar; and employ
them in writing, after the manner of black ink.
72. Another (Preparation)
Incombustible sulfur .... , Lamellose alum .... , gum .... , sprinkle
the gum with water.
73. Another (Preparation)
Unburnt sulfur .... , lamellose alum, a drachma; add a medium
quantity of dry rust; pulverize the rust, the sulfur, and the alum
finely; mix properly; grind it with care and employ it for writing in
the same way as black ink by diluting it with some wine free from
sea water. Write upon papyrus or parchment.
74. Another (Preparation)
THE LEYDEN PAPYRUS X
To write in letters of gold, without gold. Celandine, 1 part; pure
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