A Dictionary of Arts: Alkana, Alkanet

A Dictionary of Arts, Manufactures, and Mines; containing A Clear Exposition of Their Principles and Practice

by Andrew Ure, M. D.;
F. R. S. M. G. S. Lond.: M. Acad. M. S. Philad.; S. PH. DOC. N. GERM. Ranow.; Mulh. Etc. Etc.

Illustrated with nearly fifteen hundred engravings on wood
Eleventh American, From The Last London Edition.
To which is appended, a Supplement of Recent Improvements to The Present Time.

New York: D Appleton & company, 200 Broadway. Philadelphia: George S. Appleton, 148 Chestnut St.
MDCCCXLVII

1847


ALKANA, is the name of the root and leaves of Lausania inermis, which have been long employed in the East, to dye the nails, teeth, hair, garments, &c. The leaves ground and mixed with a little limewater, serve for dyeing the tails of horses in Persia and Turkey.

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ALKANET, the root of. (Anchusa tinctoria.) A species of bugloss, cultivated chiefly in the neighborhood of Montpellier. It affords a fine red color to alcohol and oils; but a dirty red to water. Its principal use is for coloring ointments, cheeses, and pommades. The spirituous tincture gives to white marble a beautiful deep stain.