24 GOODYEAR ON GUM-ELASTIC. 



fessions in which they are engaged. They, will also unques- 

 tionably discover advantages relating to some things which are 

 described, which the writer has omitted to notice. In all cases, 

 however, where he has knowledge of objections to their use, he 

 has not hesitated to point them out. 



The impervious articles among wearing apparel, have been 

 particularly noticed for the purpose of pointing out the objec- 

 tions, as well as the valuable properties, of gum-elastic for such 

 uses ; while the wearing apparel which is pervious to air, and 

 yet impervious to water, may be much more deserving of notice 

 in many cases ; though little will be said in reference to them, 

 until it can be better ascertained how far this double property 

 of these fabrics can be applied, and made available in the use of 

 caoutchouc. It may, however, be remarked, that the uses, as 

 well as the value of India rubber, will be vastly increased by the 

 introduction of the recently invented fabrics already alluded to, 

 and particularly the wool-napped, plated, and corded fabrics and 

 hard compounds, and also the porous fabrics, as in them the 

 objections which have heretofore been considered insurmount- 

 able, viz., confinement of perspiration and the exclusion of air, 

 are overcome. 



In attributing to other individuals some of the inventions 

 hereafter described, the writer does not vouch for the facts, but 

 gives them according to the best of his knowledge. 



The words caoutchouc, India rubber, and gum-elastic, are 

 used as synonymous throughout the work. 



