The Leyden and Stockholm Papyri - University of Cincinnati

“skorpiurus” was, according to some, a name given to one of a
species of sapindaceous plants.
88. The Dissolving of Alkanet
Alkanet is dissolved by oil, water, and nuts. The best of all dissolving
mediums is, however, camel’s urine. For this makes the alkanet
dye not only fast, but also durable.
89. Another (Recipe)
Bruise alkanet and mix natron with it until it gets blood-colored.
The boiling is done with water. Then dye what you desire. Or else
bruise alkanet in the same way with safflower, afterwards put it in
and let the blood color be absorbed. And if you bruise alkanet with
telis then proceed likewise. Alkanet in company with chalcanthum,
however, dyes linen as well as cambric. For with chalcanthum,
alkanet red changes into purple.
“Telis” is a certain species of a plant or flower.
90. Making Purple Brilliant
To make purple brilliant cook alkanet with purging weed and this
will dissolve it; or with wild cucumber, purgative cucumber or
hellebore.
91. The Dissolving of Alkanet
THE STOCKHOLM PAPYRUS
Take alkanet and grind fine with barley malt. The barley malt
should, however, be fresh. Then mix the alkanet with vinegar and
let it remain in it over night. Heat the alkanet again in the morning,
steep it in vinegar and leave it until it gives up the color. After
that take the wool and put it in lime water and then in the dye
liquor. After you have then put it in an extract of archil, treat it
then in the same way as has been explained in detail in passage 26.
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