f 



26 GOODYEAR ON GUM-ELASTIC. 



now made when mounted upon muslin. Some of the articles 

 described in this chapter more properly belong to the department 

 of stationery, and others are only articles of accommodation or 

 convenience for schools ; but for the sake of conciseness, and to 

 give a comprehensive view of the whole, they are all treated 

 under the head Educational. 



By allusion to two improvements of modern times, one in 

 stationery, the letter envelope ; another, the method of teaching 

 with outline maps, the public may better appreciate the value 

 and timely introduction of the two improvements described in 

 this Chapter, caoutchouc bound paper and illustrated outline 

 maps, and map carpets. 



The advantages of the method of teaching geography by the 

 use of outline maps was apparent, and the system was partially 

 introduced by the use of paper maps, previous to the application 

 of caoutchouc to this use; but their cumbrous bulk and liability 

 to damage, beside their expensiveness when mounted on muslin, 

 presented an obstacle to the progress of the improvement in this 

 method of teaching geography, so that a suitable material upon 

 which to print these maps, became a desideratum. The timely 

 application of gum-elastic tissue and vellum to this use, meets 

 the necessity of the case. 



The binding of paper, as hereafter described, is another im- 

 provement, the demand for which is the more imperative, in con- 

 sequence of the introduction of the letter envelope, which has 

 recently come into general use, and which has become almost 

 indispensable for the comfort and convenience of every one 

 who has any considerable correspondence. This change in 

 the use of paper for letter writing, demands a corresponding 

 change in the method of putting it up for the market ; and it is 

 believed that the requisition is met in the article of bound 

 paper.* 



* As early in 1836, a medal was awarded to the writer by the Mechanics' Institute of New York, 

 for the application of India rubber to the art of printing. The effort to make the invention prac- 

 tical and useful, has been continued until the present time. The views that were then entertained 

 of the importance of the art may now be appreciated. 



