EDITORS' NOTE: For years now, local craftsmen, even those working with archaeological institutions, have been struggling to find a formula that will make their versions of 'Madras/Chettinad Cement/Mortar' shine and last as long as they have done in the past. These days, Madras/Chettinad Cement/Mortar deteriorates in less than a decade. Perhaps the methodology suggested in this article that appeared in the Philosophical Transaction (1683-1775) Vol. 37, (1731-1732), published by The Royal Society, London, will provide a lasting answer. We have published the article as it appeared in the original. Please remember while reading it that the letter 'f' when it appears in the middle or at the start of a word should be read as an 's'.

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