Directions to be sold with the above.  Mix the depilatory powder with enough water to render it of a creamy consistency; lay it upon the hair for about five minutes, or until its caustic action upon the skin renders it necessary to be removed; a similar process to shaving is then to be gone through, but instead of using a razor, operate with an ivory or bone paper-knife; then wash the part with plenty of water, and apply a little cold cream.

The precise time to leave depilatory upon the part to be depilated cannot be given, because there is a physical difference in the nature of hair.  “Raven tresses” require more time than “flaxen locks;” the sensitiveness of the skin has also to be considered.  A small feather is a very good test for its action.

A few readers will, perhaps, be disappointed in finding that I have only given one formula for depilatory.  The receipts might easily have been increased in number, but not in quality.  The use of arsenical compounds is objectionable, but it undoubtedly increases the depilating action of the compounds.  A few compilers of “Receipt Books,” “Supplements to Pharmacopoeias,” and others, add to the lime “charcoal powder,” “carbonate of potass,” “starch,” &c.; but what action have these materials—­chemically—­upon hair?  The simplest depilatory is moistened quicklime, but it is less energetic than the mixture recommended above; it answers very well for tanners and fellmongers, with whom time is no object.

SECTION XIV.

ABSORBENT POWDERS.

A lady’s toilet-table is incomplete without a box of some absorbent powder; indeed, from our earliest infancy, powder is used for drying the skin with the greatest benefit; no wonder that its use is continued in advanced years, if, by slight modifications in its composition, it can be employed not only as an absorbent, but as a means of “personal adornment.”  We are quite within limits in stating that many ton-weights of such powders are used in this country annually.  They are principally composed of various starches, prepared from wheat, potatoes, and various nuts, mixed more or less with powdered talc—­of Hauey, steatite (soap-stone), French chalk, oxide of bismuth, and oxide of zinc, &c.  The most popular is what is termed

VIOLET POWDER.

Wheat starch, 12 lbs. 
Orris-root powder, 2 lbs. 
Otto of lemon, 1/2 oz.
" bergamot, 3/4 oz.
" cloves, 2 drachms.

ROSE FACE POWDER.

Wheat starch, 7 lbs. 
Rose Pink, 1/2 drachm. 
Otto of rose, 2 drachms.
" santal, 2 "

PLAIN OR UNSCENTED HAIR POWDER

Is pure wheat starch.

FACE POWDER.

Starch, 1 lb. 
Oxide of Bismuth, 4 oz.