28 GOODYEAR ON GUM-ELASTIC. 



GUTTA PERCH A. 

 Its properties. Sketch of the history of its introduction into use in the civilized world. 



When the chief discovery treated of in this volume was 

 made, namely, the art of curing or treating caoutchouc by 

 means of sulphur and a high degree of artificial heat, very few 

 varieties of caoutchouc had been brought into the United 

 States, and the author was unacquainted with the names, and 

 even with the existence, of certain varieties which are at this 

 time articles of common importation and use. 



The number of gums which from their general properties 

 may be called varieties of caoutchouc is considerable — and it 

 is probable that from time to time new varieties will be discov- 

 ered and brought into use. In foreign publications we meet 

 with names of gums possessing similar properties which have 

 not yet been seen in the United States ; they are chiefly, if not 

 universally, of Eastern origin — and appear to be found in 

 nearly the same latitudes and geographical situations. Some 

 of the names of the Eastern gums which may be termed varie- 

 ties of caoutchouc are Gutta Percha ; Gutta taban or tuban ; 

 Gutta girek or gegrek ; Jintavvan ; Jelotong ; Getah matah 

 buay ; Litchu. The author has not been able to piT)Cure 

 specimens of most of these gums — but supposes from the 

 descriptions of them occasionally met with that they are 

 varieties of Eastern caoutchouc. 



Gutta Percha is well known and is beginnino; to be some- 

 what used in the United States. Among its advantages as a 

 material for manufacture are properties which it possesses in 

 common with South American and other varieties of caout- 

 chouc, namely, its plasticity and adhesiveness at certain tem- 

 peratures — and its hardness at certain other temperatures. Its 

 plasticity when warmed to a temperature of about 145^ Fah- 

 renheit renders it exceedingly easy of manufacture. It retains 



