SULPHURIZATION OF CAOUTCHOUC. 
355 
consequently an amyl compound, while oenanthic ether is known 
to be the oenanthate of oxide of ethyle. 
The residue remaining in the still after the above distillation 
with water, consists of acetic and valerianic acids in combination 
with the soda, and the solution holds in suspension a considerable 
quantity of hydrated oxide of iron, which formerly existed in 
combination with the acids. 
From the above statement it appears that crude fusel oil con- 
tains the following substances, viz : — 
Alcohol, 
Water, 
Hydrated oxide of amyl, 
Acetic acid, 
Yalerianic acid, 
Oxide of iron. 
And an amyl compound, analogous to oenanthic ether. — New 
York Journal of Pharmacy , December 1852. 
ON THE SULPHURIZATION OF CAOUTCHOUC, AND ON SOME 
PROPERTIES OF SULPHUR. 
Br M. Paten. 
The discovery in 1843 of the remarkable properties which 
are communicated to caoutchouc by a peculiar kind of sulphuri- 
zation, called vulcanization, is generally attributed to Mr. Han- 
cock.* It is only from this period that the applications of this 
elastic substance have become of considerable importance, and 
have given birth to several new branches of industry. In fact, 
since then the alterations produced upon the immediate principle, 
either by an elevation or decrease of the atmospheric tempera- 
ture, have had no influence upon the vulcanized product. It 
preserves its suppleness and its elasticity below 32° F., and no 
longer becomes soft or adhesive above 95° and 104° ; its temper- 
ature may even be raised beyond 212° without loss of that 
* Incorrectly, we believe ; the discovery is really due to Mr. Chas. Good- 
year, of New York, U. S.— W, F. 
