236 
The N.Z. Journal of Science and Technology. 
[ J UL Y 
DEPARTMENTAL REPORT. 
Fireproofing and Antiseptic Treatment of New Zealand 
Timbers.* 
By C. S. Hicks, M.Sc., A.I.C., F.C.S., New Zealand National 
Research Scholar. 
PART I. 
Introduction. 
Summary of Investigations in Fireproofing. 
Salts employed. 
Antiseptic Treatment of New Zealand Timbers-— 
Methods of Application. 
Tests and Descriptions of Preservatives used. 
Descriptions of Treatment and Comparison of Results. 
Conclusions. 
INTRODUCTION. 
The researches on New Zealand economic timbers presented in this report 
arose out of a suggestion by Dr. Inglis that the preference shown by the 
white-pine borer for kahikatea might have a chemical foundation. Accord¬ 
ingly an investigation of the chemical constituents of the various native 
timbers was undertaken to elucidate if possible this well-known pheno¬ 
menon. 
The method adopted was to distil the wood in a current of superheated 
steam, the aqueous distillate, together with the tarry residues therefrom, 
being examined for specific chemical compounds. 
To summarize the results of this first step, it might be stated that in 
no case was any compound isolated that could be, from its chemical 
nature, a prophylactic against the borer.f This, of course, represented a 
considerable amount of negative work. 
It was then decided to extend the work further in a technical direction, 
which was to include (1) an investigation of means of fireproofing our 
economic timbers ; (2) antiseptic treatment against decay. 
SUMMARY OF INVESTIGATIONS IN-! FIREPROOFING. 
For the investigation of means of fireproofing timber the ignition 
temperatures of the thoroughly seasoned woods was first determined, and 
then similar-sized blocks were impregnated with the chemicals likely to 
hinder ignition, and, after drying, the ignition-point was determined and 
compared with that of the untreated wood. 
Before concordant results could be obtained many trials with apparatus 
of different types were made, culminating successfully in the adaptation 
of an electric dental furnace for the purpose. The furnace was placed 
* Abbreviated from report presented to the Chairman, Research Scholarship Board, 
Otago University, on the 21st January, 1917, and printed by direction of the Board 
of Science and Art. 
I See H. B. Kirk, On the Occurrence of Starch and Glucose in Timber, Trans. 
N.Z. Inst., vol. 37, 1905, pp. 379-80. The attacks of the borer are stated to be 
determined by the presence of starch and glucose. 
