Abstract: In a process for producing a starting material in the form of granules, the process includes:(a) obtaining a dispersion or a solution, in a solvent or a mixture of solvents suitable for lyophilization, of a powdered starting material, the said dispersion or solution having a viscosity which makes it possible mechanically to form graded drops;(b) mechanically forming graded drops from the said dispersion or solution;(c) freezing the drops formed in Stage (b) in order to obtain frozen drops; and(d) lyophilizing the frozen drops obtained in Stage (c) in order to obtain micrporous anhydrous granules of the starting material having a regular shape and an even surface and of graded size.

Abstract: A cosmetic composition based on an oil-in-water emulsion containing an oil phase, a water phase, an emulsifying agent, and a mineral phase which contains, for instance, a clay, is disclosed.

Abstract: Cosmetic composition for hardening nails is formed from trimethylolmelamine or tris-(hydroxy-methylamino)-2, 4, 6 s triazine; at least one non-cationic cosmetic resin and/or at least one cationic resin; a plasticizer and an acid.

Abstract: Stable emulsions are provided which can be either in the form of "water-in-oil" or "oil-in-water" emulsions and are obtained using a mixture of lanolin acid and at least one natural basic .alpha.-amino acid, the proportions in the mixture determining the form of the emulsion.

Abstract: A novel automatic test measuring apparatus of the pendulum variety for readily and easily determining film and the like hardness is adapted to automate all the operations necessarily preceding the commencement of a measurement stage using, in connection therewith, a recording unit or printer to supply the operator with the numerical results of all the measurements without personal manipulation(s). In making a measurement, the necessary time count for passing from amplitude .alpha. to amplitude .beta. is effected by means of a photo-electric cell. This records the passage of a pendulum arm having a predetermined period during the time that the oscillation amplitude is higher than .beta.. The involved count gives the measured time necessary for the measurement. The automatic apparatus advantageously reduces error relating to each measurement and increases the number of measurements to be effected on one and the same test film to yield a vastly more reliable mean statistical value.