Thermalite Socks

I say, that's a tad racy... should be on the BBT... D'oh
Del

They seem horribly expensive - perhaps consider this DYI alternative?

First. buy several pairs of cotton socks.

Second. The socks must then be thoroughly boiled in a solution of potash or of soda, in order to remove all greasy substances which the cotton may contain, and after thus boiled it may be exposed to the sun, or wind, or in a heated room, to dry.

Third. The socks must now be taken into a room heated to 100 Fahr. in order to make them perfectly dry.

Fourth. A mixture is now made containing 1 part weight of nitric acid of 1.48 to 1.50 specific gravity, and 3 parts weight of common sulphuric acid. This mixture must stand in closed earthen or glass jars for several days, or until the two acids become fully mixed and cooled.

Fifth. This mixture of acids is now put into an apparatus containing three apartments; one for the main bulk of the acids, one for the immersion of the socks, and one for receiving the socks after being immersed. This apparatus may be made of cast-iron

Sixth. The socks are now taken and dipped in the acid bath, in said apparatus, in such a manner that every 3 oz. of socks must come in contact with 60 lbs. of the mixture of acids, or in other words, the bath must contain fully 60 lbs. of the mixture while parcels of 3 oz. of socks are being dipped. The parcels thus dipped must be gently pressed, and the acids allowed to flow back into the acid-bath, and the parcels are then put into the third apartment of the apparatus, where for every 1 lb. of socks there must be 10 1/2 lbs. of the said mixture of the acids. The socks must remain in this state subject to the action of the acids for 48 hours, and the mixture must always have an equally strong concentration, and must be kept under a uniform temperature by a cooling process.

Seventh. The socks are now taken out from the acids and pressed, and then put into a centrifugal machine to remove all surplus acids.

Eighth. The socks are again put into another centrifugal machine, into which a constant stream of fresh water is admitted. This process is intended to remove the last particles of adherent acids.

Ninth. The socks are now taken and put into a flume or trough, and scoured in such a manner that a running stream of fresh water may pass through and over them; and the same must remain in this situation for at least 14 days. To lessen the time for this operation the socks and operator may be immersed or saturated in alcohol for the space of 24 hours. This process is also intended to extract all and the last particles of acids that may possibly adhere to either.

Tenth. The socks are now taken from the stream of water, or if from the alcohol they must be washed, and then boiled in a solution of common soap and again dried. This process is intended to restore the socks to their original softness and appearance.

Eleventh. The socks are now taken and immersed in a solution of water-glass of 1 lb. to 2 lbs. of soft water which must be 1.09 specific gravity of concentration. To 1 lb. of socks 198-1000ths of a lb. of this solution of 46 Beaume is required. The socks are then taken out of this solution and exposed to the action of the atmosphere for at least 4 days. This process has the tendency to preserve the material, and also to make its explosive warming qualities less rapid.

Admittedly it takes a while, but hey, fills out the day, keeps you off the streets

I'm confused...do you put the socks on before immersing in acid, or after?

Agreed, either way would solve the problem at hand...

What is length of your fuse in your drawers?

I'm jes' sayin'.

I'm waiting for four more feet but my eyesight isn't what it once was so it might be there and I just can't focus on the knob.

Good to see you here though, 3 - 4 ahead of yourself Seems the Kris/Del time machine was worth the $27 million retro gold bars after all.

Did you notice I scored the 1st OBO bestowed "OT ultimate complement" for that cotton one?

ay

I once stripped away some cladding, hoping to find four nice feet but, alas, they were just plain vanilla. Bit like the two with hairy legs that somebody posted recently.....found 'em. Hidden in an OT post which has a lovely ending to the first paragraph.

So, does this mean we'll be seeing more of you here now????

Welllll....we needed somewhere to gather and create chaos out of...chaos!

I for one am pleased we've upgraded BBT to FFT.

Del