456 VEGETABLE SUBSTANCES. 



looking substance, of uniform consistency. It had a 

 disagreeable acescent odour, something resembling 

 that of putrescent milk. Its specific gravity was 

 1 '01 174, but when in a solid form it is specifically 

 lighter than water. A small portion of this fluid, dried 

 at the heat of 100 Fahrenheit, lost more than half 

 its weight in assuming a solid form. 



On mixing the juice with water, no other change 

 than mere dilution took place ; when suffered to re- 

 main at rest, a separation quickly ensued ; a creamy- 

 portion rose to the top, whilst a clear aqueous solu- 

 tion of the other matters contained in the juice re- 

 mained beneath. In this manner liquid caoutchouc 

 may be purified. 



When poured on to a filter, the water passed through 

 and the caoutchouc coagulated. Put on to absorbent 

 surfaces, such as bibulous paper, chalk, or plaster of 

 Paris, the aqueous portion was rapidly abstracted, and 

 the caoutchouc almost immediately united into a mass 

 retaining the form of the body on which it was cast. 

 In this manner beautiful medallions have been formed 

 of the juice. 



More than fifty-two thousand pounds of caoutchouc 

 were imported into England in 1830, being nearly 

 double the quantity brought during the preceding 

 year. The consumption for the year ending April 5, 

 1833, is stated at 178,676 Ibs. Its price is from 

 Is. 6d. to 2s. 3d. per Ib. ; the duty upon it being 

 5d. per Ib. This increase in the demand is to be 

 ascribed to the application of the substance as an 

 article of general utility. 



THE END. 



Printed by WILLIAM CLOWES, Duke Street, Lanr.betli. 



