M. TECHNOLOGY. 515 



side up, and a solution of glue applied by means of a brush 

 or otherwise, taking care not to disturb the natural position 

 and relation of the hair. The size or glue is then allowed to 

 harden, when it will hold the fibres very firmly. The natu- 

 ral skin may then be pulled entirely oft' from the hairs, leav- 

 ing their ends exposed, which may then be washed by some 

 substance to free them entirely from adherent fat, bulbs, etc., 

 and properly poisoned. 



An artificial skin is next to be affixed by applying India 

 rubber, gutta percha, boiled drying oils, or other water-proof 

 substance, over the roots of the hairs, and allowed to dry, so 

 as to form a continuous membrane ; after which, all that is 

 necessary is again to soak this in warm water for a time to 

 dissolve out all the glue, and the new fabric is produced in 

 all its completed condition. To render the rubber or gutta 

 percha more lasting, it may be combined with sulphur, so as 

 to vulcanize it, for which purpose a solution of chloride or 

 hypochloride of sulphur in bi^ulphuret of carbon maybe em- 

 ployed. In using bisulphuret of carbon, forty parts of the 

 same are to be added to one part of chloride or hypochloride 

 of sulphur, prepared as neutral as possible, and the solution is 

 then allowed to remain in contact with the artificial skin of 

 rubber or gutta percha a longer or a shorter time, a minute 

 being sufficient for a thin sheet. This operation must be 

 completed, of course, before immersing in warm water, to re- 

 move the glue which produces the adhesion of the hairs. 



One great advantage of this process consists in the fact 

 that fabrics thus prepared are moth-proof; and it is suggest- 

 ed that for many purposes, such as the construction of rugs, 

 mats, etc., they must be superior to the natural skin. In the 

 case of heavy skins, the artificial preparation is much lighter, 

 more pliable, and better in every respect. Several of these 

 artificial skins may be combined so as to form one, or they 

 may be modified in any manner desirable. When properly 

 made, the preparation is entirely free from any smell, and es- 

 pecially the animal odor which is so offensive in many furs. 

 23 A, May 29, 1874, 673. 



IMPROVED FORM OF RUBBER. 



A recent improvement has been made in the manufacture 

 of articles of India rubber which are liable to be exposed to 



