184 GOODYEAR ON GUM-ELASTIC. 



DRAPERY. 



Drapery is of the most delicate texture, and having been sub- 

 jected to a finishing process, which gives a pecuhar dryness and 

 softness of the surface, it differs in these respects from many of 

 the other fabrics. This leaf is a specimen of the finer sort, 

 though others are made very much lighter, weighing only 

 one-quarter part as much as this. Such, however, are made 

 rather as specimens or curiosities of the art, than for use, except 

 it be for medical purposes. When the demand becomes greater 

 for this material, it will be among the cheapest of gum-elastic 

 fabrics, and can be afforded at an extremely low price. 



The extreme tenuity of this vegetable substance, may be 

 compared to gold leaf among the metals. 



Many uses of this novel article are yet to be ascertained. 

 The following may be specified. Pocket maps, bandages for 

 the stoppage of hemorrhage, and for fomentations. It is also 

 useful for the covering of the mouths of bottles and jars, and 

 for the common uses of oil silk, beside those hereafter described 

 among the applications of gum-elastic. The most finished and 

 perfect drapery is made of the gum dissolved in camphene. 



