> Palmer/Rudiak/Sullivan/Nielsen exchange:
> Palmer: Does one of the chemists on the list know the composition of this
toner?
>
> Rudiak: Sounds like it must contain mercuric chloride.
>
> Sullivan: I've seen references to using zinc acetate instead of mercuric
chloride in
> historical literature on pt/pd processes. I've dabbled with it with no
> success. It also may be that the zinc needs some secondary ingredient
found
> in ready-made papers of the day.
>
> Nielsen: Charlie, Does the toner package caution safe handling?? You
> would think that if MC was in the toner, Palladio would need to lable the
> package hazardous.
>
Here is what the package says:
"The active ingredient is categorized as 'slightly hazardous.' It is a skin,
eye, and respiratory irritant and should not be ingested." Sure doesn't
sound like the warning that a mercury salt deserves. And, after using the
stuff for six years I'm not yet mad as a hatter!
Charlie Palmer