ABSORBENT COTTON • DICTIONARY ONE.COM • Definition of Absorbent cotton

... tray be rocked gently the reduction will be quite uniform. If, however, only a portion of the print needs reduction, this can be effected by applying the ferricyanide solution locally with a brush or bit of absorbent cotton. Extreme care is needed in this operation. In this way unduly deep shadows can be softened, veiled high lights brightened, or almost any modification obtained which may be deemed desirable. When reduction is almost completed quickly rinse the print ...

— Bromide Printing and Enlarging • John A. Tennant