IV—EXTRACTION OF RUBBER, METHODS 
AND PROCESSES 
The great organic and biologic differences which exist be- 
tween rubber-trees, exact divers processes of preparation in 
order to obtain a complete utilization of the productive capacity 
of each. 
It is, however, interesting before entering into a description 
of the different processes adopted in Brazil, to here state what 
the chemists think as to what rubber really is. 
Rubber is a carburate of hydrogen which in the shape of 
white globules more or less elongated, are found suspended in 
the milky latex. The composition of those globules, although 
even yet, badly defined, is represented by the formula (C” H”) ». 
Rubber is generally considered as a derivative of the Isoprina, 
into which it transforms itself when submitted to the action of 
dry heat, as Bouchardat demonstrated by his experiments in 
1879. Treating the isoprina in a strong solution of chloridic 
acid, an interesting body is obtained, which reminds one of 
rubber on account of its elastic properties. Wallach, Tilden, 
Weber, Harries and others gave themselves up to accurate 
studies upon the composition of rubber; neverthless, up. till 
to-day, however, no definite result has as yet been arrived at. 
The latex, a thick liquid which has the appearance of animal 
milk, circulates in special vessels, distributed diversely in the 
organism of certain plants. 
The following are the results of the analysis obtained fran 
the latex of the hevea braziliensis by Seelingmann, Scott and 
Bamber: Seelingmann Scott Bamber 
WEE adc sel, 5B a 56% 22 - 32% 55" 55% 
Rubber ..scsvsc encase 32% 38% 138% 41" 32 % 
Proteine ...........005- 2% to 3% 2°% a i) 
RESil..: esudeaceee eee wea traces 3°% ~  QN%! 
ASH .aeveceavese dun ea 0°% - O'%! 
Suga: | cschesGutiass eaowy 4"% O"%! 
Oily substances. ....... 9° % traces Sond 
Specific weight: Seelingmann, 1.019. Bamber: 1.018. °° 
It is advisable to note, that the proportion of water may 
vary a great deal, influenced sometimes by the season being 
either wet or dry, and at other times by the weakness or vigor 
ofthe tree at the occasion of its being tapped. 
The quantities of proteine, resin and ash are dependent on 
the chemical composition of the soil, those quantities affect the 
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