Originally Posted by seely
This is plain wrong... originally they used MERCURY to treat animal hydes which is why tanners had a reputation for being freaking nuts, because their nervous systems were destroyed after being exposed to it for years. Mercury, though a natural element, is by no means a safe chemical as I'm sure you know.
No originally they used acorns and urine. The hides were chewed and chewed soaked in the acorn water mix then urinated on to soften and chewed some more.