Manuel complet des fabricans de chapeaux en tous genres

This manual provides a practical, step-by-step account of hatmaking techniques and materials, surveying fibres and trimmings (wool, silk, cotton, plaited straw, leather, feathers, wicker) and detailing processes for felting, forming, dyeing and finishing across different hat types. It explains chemical treatments used in operations such as sealing with mercurial salts and critiques their health risks, discusses dye formulations and their tendencies to discolor, and compiles contemporary patents and improvements. Organized into four parts—materials, felt hats, textile/filament hats, and straw/rigid forms—it mixes technical instructions, preventive measures for workers' safety, and practical adaptations drawn from varied practices.