This section is from the book "Cassell's Cyclopaedia Of Mechanics", by Paul N. Hasluck. Also available from Amazon: Cassell's Cyclopaedia Of Mechanics.
Practical curriers immerse the skins in fermented bran and water. Washing the skin in a solution of potash will also remove surplus oil; so also will soap and soda and water. Having taken away the oil, stretch the skin out to dry, and, whilst it is doing so, scrape it and rub it in every direction to prevent it drying hard.
 
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