Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1848-04-07

Not long since we suggested the idea
that the newly discovered substance called
"gutta pcrcha" would make good substi-
tute for lead tubes TO convey water, as il
would not be likely 10 I've acted upon by the
water or any Of the impurities Of the water.
Since then, communication has appeared
in the Boston Courier, from Dr. Webster,
Professor Of Chemistry in Cambridge Uni
yersity, on this subject.
The Doctor has been experimenting upon
the substance, and has discovered new
method Of dissolying il without altering its
properties. 1t may not be known TO all of
our readers that this gutta percha is the gum
of tree that grows in Borneo, and is bro't
in considerable quantities from thence by
our East India traders, and that the call for
IL is increasing, as the uses to which it is
beginning to be pu, are very numerous.
Below the temperature of so deg Fab
renleit il is rs hard as wood, aud somewhat
resembles horn. BY uniting it with India
rubber, a tough, elastic material is produc-
ed, which may be put 10 a great many uses,
such as bands for machinery, springs for
clocks, clasps, belts. ribbons, suspenders,
strings, &c. &c. The elasticity varies ac-
cordng to the greater or less proportion Of
India rubber.
DR.. Webster says, in prosecuting expert
ments upon it" arrived at method Of
dissolving the guI,a percha, and Of applying
it TO any surfaces without the aid Of heat
have prepared from il a variety Of articles
tubes, paper and cloth vessels wholly I'M.
peryous to water, sheets as thin as gold.
beaters' skin, or as thick as board, aud
have had pair Of shoes made from leather
prepared with the solution, which are per-
fecty waterproof, and have been put to.
gether without sewing, pegs or nails. These
shoes are pronounced to be stronger than
could I've made by the usual method"
He also observes that, having been cali
ed upon TO examine the action OF the Co.
chituate water upon the materials from
which the pipes for its distribution in hous.
es will probably be made, have subjected
the gutta percha to its long continued uc-
ton. The wafer has received no impreg.
nation whatever, has acquired neither taste
nor smell, and the tubes filled with il have
not been ruptured by the freezing of the
water contained in them"
In another part of the communication,
DR.. w. remarks: al learn from Washing
ton that several applications for patents for
manufacturing gutta percha have been
made, but as yet no patents had been is
sued. although the company in London had
sold their rights to parties in the L. States
II may be added, that the solvent have
discovered for gutta percha, is entirely diff
ferent from ether or spirits of tupenline, in
which it has been dissolved in England /;
that the solution requires no heat. and takes
place rapidly, the original property of the
gulta remaining unaltered. With little of
this solution, the stop.cocks could be firmly
attached to the tube, or leak closed by any
person, and the trouble and inconvenience
so often experienced where cadpipes are
used, would be entirely got rid Of"
We have no doubt that this substance,
when it becomes more known and spread
abroad, will work quite revolution in many
of the arts.-!Haiae Farmer.