Having been engaged uninterruptedly for a series of years in the manufacture of varnishes, pigments and coloured printing inks, I may well feel impelled, without presumption, to write a book upon these subjects, the more so as literature is somewhat deficient with regard to them.<br><br>My book, in addition to distinct information with regard to linseed oil, the chief raw material, its purification and bleaching for making varnishes and pigments, contains short dissertations on the theory of drying oil and of the pigments that can be used with it, and the chief adulterations. I have thought that any description of pigment manufacture, with the exception of lampblack, to which I have devoted a special chapter, would be superfluous, as excellent and copious books on the subject have appeared.<br><br>Attention has been chiefly given to the manufacture of pigments, their mixing and grinding, and to the manufacture of printers' varnishes and coloured inks, including all the latest patented products. The section dealing with artists' colours is quite new and has appeared in no other work of this kind. I trust this part of my work will meet with a good reception in trade circles, and will establish my reputation as an expert in matters concerning this special industry.