Uses of Oak Marble Galls
The galls contain large amounts of tannic acid, which was used for making iron gall ink and for dyeing cloth. According to recent research, traces of iron-gall ink have been found on the Dead Sea scrolls and on the 'lost' Gospel of Judas. Iron-gall ink may have been used for 1,800 years, but it does not withstand the test of time well. Over the course of centuries, the ink fades, and discolours and damages the paper. Other water-proof formulae, better suited for writing on paper, became available in the 20th century. Iron gall ink is manufactured chiefly by artists enthusiastic about reviving old methods or possibly forgers of old documents.
A recipe for preparing the ink is as follows: Take one lb. of bruised galls, one gallon of boiling water, 5½ oz of ferrous sulfate in solution, 3 oz of gum arabic previously dissolved, and a few drops of an anti-septic, such as carbolic acid. Macerate the galls for 24 hours, strain the infusion and add the other ingredients.
British galls have too little tannic acid (about 17%) for the best results - Aleppo galls have three times as much.
Powdered galls mixed with hog's lard and applied to the posterior were said to be good for curing piles.
Oak Marble Gall extract is used in deodorants because of tannic acid's anti-bacterial properties.
Read more about this topic: Andricus Kollari
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