To protect the shellac from atmospheric influences it should, when at the merchant's, be stored in water; neglect of this precaution causes the shellac to lose its nature, and it will not then dissolve by simple immersion. The lac, when purchased, should be at once broken up small, spread on clean paper, and set aside in a warm, not hot, place, and frequently turned over till it feels quite dry- It should then be placed with the spirit in a stone or earthenware pickle jar, over the top of which a piece of rag should be tied. Then set the jar in a saucepan partly filled with water, glue-pot fashion, and place in an oven or on a gas or oil stove, and gradually bring up to blood heat, if the lac does not then dissolve, it should be thrown away as worthless.