RE:and urine was an important component of the dyeing process - used as a mordant snce ancient times.
actually, i think it it ammonia that is used, and urine will quickly become ammonia compounds as it oxidizes. it is critical for indigo, and the only mordant that yeilds the true blue.
fresh urine, brought to a simmer, is excellent for washing woolens. i remember my nana using... my mother used woolite.(but then, she didn't have a store of left over chamber pots as Nana did. Nana (in council housing) had indoor plumbing, but always worried about the "drains" and keep some chamber pots.)
Michael Criton, in his book "Eaters of the Dead" (the adventures of a arabian prince who visits the Viking north of the 13th century) comments on the viking use of collected urine to wash/bleach white the wooden floors of the houses. (and yes, ammonia will bleach or "pickle" wood, giving it a white tone,and a smooth finish)
don't you just love organic chemistry?
