SCIENCE. 



25 



of the gum of the Para tree, but which was considerably 

 cheaper and had a wider application. The principal 

 feature in the new process was the oxidation and conse- 

 quent solidification of linseed oil. He found that linseed, 

 nut, and poppy oil possessed the property of becoming 

 concrete on exposure to the atmosphere, and that when 

 spread in a thin layer, on a surface of wood or iron, 

 they dried or changed into a thin skin. 



This change is of course produced by the absorption 

 of oxygen and the disengagement of carbonic acid. The 

 power of absorbing oxygen rapidly is inconsiderable 

 in the crude or raw linseed oil, but is greatly in- 

 creased by boiling the oil, which is best effected by ex- 

 posing a large quantity of raw oil to a strong heat in a 

 cauldron, with a small percentage of metallic oxide of 

 lead. In this condition it is called varnish, and has a 

 viscid character. A layer of this oil requires from six to 

 twenty-four hours to change into a skin-like substance, 

 according as the state of the atmosphere is more or less 

 favorable. 



One of the first materials placed upon the market by 

 Mr. Walton as the practical result of his experiments was 

 a new floor cloth which he called Linoleum. This 

 material has for its basis oxidized oil, which is mixed with 

 a tenacious substance, to which is added finely powdered 

 cork. The material thus formed is passed between rol- 

 lers and pressed upon a fibrous texture. 



The advantages of Linoleum over the previous oilcloths 

 was apparent, tor it was waterproof, a non-conductor of 

 heat, while its natural body color permitted the addition 

 of an agreable and artistic decoration. The manufacture 

 of Linoleum has been a great success and has realized 

 large fortunes to its original promoters, and filteen years 

 after its introduction was still paying 60 per cent as a 

 dividend. -• 



Linoleum may described as the first and crude result of 

 Mr. Walton's expensive experiments with oxidized oil ; he 

 had however in reserve a higher development of his ideas, 

 and at length produced a material which is a refine- 

 ment cf all his previous efforts. 



Lincrusta-Walton, as its name implies is made from 

 oxidized linseed oil which is skillfully manipulated with 

 various substances, forming a material posessing most 

 valuable properties and its principal characteristics appear 

 to be unique. 



U.ilike Linoleum, which is adapted to one purpose alone, 

 the application of Lincrusta to the Arts and Manufactures 

 is most varied, and we shall soon find it in every house 

 under so many forms that its future as a staple commodity 

 is assured. One of the most valuable properties of Lincrusta 

 lies in the fact that although originally so soft as to receive 

 the most delicate impressions, it hardens within a few 

 hours and permanently remains in that condition. It is 

 a waterproof material with a natural color of a neutral 

 shade, which can be changed in manufacturing to almost 

 any tint. Lastly the manufacturer, by manipulating the 

 cement, has it in his power to produce many modifications 

 of the material, and, as we shall presently show, can make 

 various substances which have a very wide application, 

 and which will undoubtedly supersede many valuable 

 monopolies, on account of its being both cheaper, more 

 permanent, and possessing many advantages over its ri - 

 vals. 



Perhaps one of the most important adaptations of Lin- 

 crusta is a new and improved covering to walls, and as 

 such it appears to us a perfect decoration. For this pur- 

 pose the Lincrusta is passed through machines which leave 

 an elegant design in relief upon its upper surface, and at 

 the same time is pressed upon a thin backing of muslin or 

 paper. Thus manufactured and hung as a wall paper in 

 its natural tint, it is the most beautiful mural decoration 

 known, and when colored or hand-painted the most varied 

 effects are produced ; it may present the appearance of a 

 rich old tapestry, or the subdued tones of stamped leather. 

 Combined with the gilder's art the brilliant effects of em- | 



bossed metal in solid relief are obtained. The only limit 

 to its development in this respect is the art of the de- 

 signer and the skill of the die sinker. Bearing in mind 

 that combined with these advantages we have a material 

 as flexible as leather or even rubber ; resilient, standing 

 blows without injury, enduring and tough, not easily 

 torn, waterproof and unaffected by temperature, and 

 withal capable of being produced at a pi ice below even 

 the medium quality of relief papers, and it is clear 

 advantages are combined in Lincrusta that will make it 

 one of the most valuable products which can be manu- 

 factured, and one which will be of universal use. 



The special use of Lincrusta in the United States as a 

 wall decoration will be at once recognized, as its warmth 

 and resistance to damp makes its application almost im- 

 perative in the case ol frame buildings which form the 

 majority of dwellings in this country. 



Of the other applications of Lincrusta to the Arts and 

 Manufactures, our reference must be brief, for they ap- 

 pear endless in their variety. Among other purposes 

 Lincrusta can be used as an excellent covering for ex- 

 ternal walls. For bookbinding it takes the place of 

 carton-pierre and papier-mache, and even excels leather 

 in its capability of receiving fine and incisive ornament. 

 Mouldings of Lincrusta can be gilded with facility, and 

 attain a hardness equal to wood, and can be applied in 

 this form to picture frames, cornices, panels, mantel- 

 pieces, or any kind of furniture. 



For wall advertisement-placards Lincrusta has many 

 advantages, the letters are in relief, and neither sun, rain 

 or damp has any bad effect upon it. 



Railway and other traveling cars will in future be dec- 

 orated with Lincrusta, and its application in stearr ships 

 is acknowledged, having been largely used in the new 

 Cunard ship Servia, which recently left our port. In this 

 instance the builders state that it gave the greatest satis- 

 faction both to the owners and to those who inspected 

 the ship. 



Lincrusta-Walton may be applied to many other pur- 

 poses than those already enumerated, but the above are 

 amongst the most important and offer an almost unlim- 

 ited field for manufacturing and commercial enterprise. 

 In short, all decorations executed up to the present time 

 on flat surfaces, that is to say "without relief, can now 

 when desired be fashioned with relief, and their ar- 

 tistic value and appearance may thus be considerably 

 augmented. 



Among the art exhibits now to be seen in New York, 

 that of the Lincrusta at 4 1 Union Square, corner of 

 17th street, is perhaps the most attractive. Specimens 

 of the material have been imported from London and Paris 

 and are here shown in situ and have elicited the admiration 

 of all who have visited the rooms. The material is not yet 

 for sale, and the exhibit has been made merely to show the 

 public the wonderful effects of this beautiful material, by 

 Mr. John R. Whitley, a gentlemen who has largely in- 

 terested himself in this matter, and who is now making ar- 

 rangements to give the American public the benefit of this 

 manufacture. 



If our description has aroused an interest in this 

 subject, we would simply state that the exhibit is 

 open to all who desire to verify the facts here stated 

 and that those who desire information which is not 

 given in this description, will there find there ample means 

 of learning the fullest details. 



Professor William O. Crosby has published an excel- 

 lent little manual on " Common Minerals and Rocks," 

 which is sold by Messrs. Ginn, Heath & Co., of Boston, at 

 35 cents. A complete set of minerals and rocks named in 

 the work can be had of Professor Crosby for $1, or a more 

 extended set of larger size, including 75 specimens, for $3. 

 [ With both sets 25 cents is charged for packing. 



