CARMINE, or CARMIN (Arabic, k,ermes), is a beautiful red pigment obtained from coch ineal, and which is employed in the manufacture of the finer red inks. in the dyeing of silk, in coloring artificial flowers, and in miniature and water-color painting. It was first prepared by a Franciscan monk at Pisa, who discovered it accidentally, while com pounding sonic medicine containing cochineal; and in 1650, it began to be manufactured. It is the finest red color known, and was more largely used formerly than now for imparting a healthy aspect to the cheek of beauty. One process for its preparation is to digest 1 lb. of cochineal in 3 gallons of water, for 15 minutes; then add 1 oz. of cream of tartar; heat gently for 10 minutes; add half an oz. of alum ; boil for 2 or 3 minutes; and after allowing any impurities to settle, the clear liquid is placed in clean glass pans, when the C. is slowly deposited. After a time, the liquid is drained off, and the C. dried in the shade. In the preparation of C., much depends on a clear atmosphere, and a bright sunny day, as the pretty color of the C. is never nearly so good when it has
been prepared in dull weather, and this accounts in great part for the superiority of French C. over that prepared in England. The great expense of pure C. has led to the fabrication and vending of substitutes. The rouge of the theaters is made from red san dal-wood, Brazil wood, beuzoin, and alum, which are boiled in brandy or vinegar till a paint of an intense red color remains. A more harmless material is obtained by evapo rating the mixture till the liquid is driven off, and making up the red residue with balm of Mecca, spermaceti, or butter of cacao. The depth of the red tint may be lessened by the addition of chalk. The little color-saucers called rouge dishes, obtained from Por tugal, contain pure C.; but imitations arc made in London. Spanish wool and oriental wool, which are impregnated with red paint, intended for use on the cheek for improv ing the complexion, are seldom genuine.