Anti-slavery bugle. [volume] (New-Lisbon, Ohio) 1845-1861, 1850-08-31
THE ANTI-SLAVERY BUGLE.
Properties Of Culta Percha.

Gtta percha is often coDfOunded with
India rubber or caoutchouc, whereas il diff.
lers from il in every important particular,
and is capable of vastly wider application
in all the useful and Ornamental arts. The
most valuable property of India rubber is
its elasticity but guita-percha is cOmparu
lively non-elastic, having, in its manufactur-
ed form, hut ) per cent. of elasticity or
spring. The action of heat upon India rub
Der is to soften the mass, and it remains soft
and sticky unless vulcanized--an objection
able process, on account of the bad smell of
the sulphur incorporated with it, the poison
Gus property of the white lead used in
large quantities, and the deteriorating influ-
ence OF u high degree of heat upon the
strength of Iudia rubber. On the contrary,
the gutta-perchn, when softened by heat can
be rolled into sheets as thin as tissue, or
worked into any form, and Immediately be-
comes rigid at the temperature of the at
mospherc, being free from all sickness, and
retaining all lis original toughness and fiexi-
biiiy. The gutta-percha is soluble, but not
by the same agents as India rubber--it re-
sists the action OF alcohol, ether, acids, oils,
and greases us perfectly as il does that of
water. Tar-napiha is perfect solvent for
gutta-porcha, dissolving il at summer heat,
and holding it suspended. As il does not
dissolve the coloring matter contained in it,
the product OH evaporuling the naptha, is
thin, soft beautiful white waterproof sheet,
resembling the finest kind OF leather, aud
suitable for gloves, Innings, garments, &c.
and can be printed upon without ink, giving
beautiful semi-transparcnt picture or let
ter.
The plastic art finds in gutta-percha its
most valuable auxiliary. SOitcued by water
at a temperature OF loo ,, it is easily mold
ed into any required shape or iorui, which it
retuins without shrinking when cooled, Civ
ing remarkable sharp cutting and truthluly
fac-simile of the mold in substance im-
perishablo and that cannot bo broken. CO.
pies OF the most delicate ioliuge, far exceed
ing the most elaborate carvings in beauty
aud truthiiIlness, have all the strength and
durability of raw hide.
Telegraphing by electro-magnetisIn is un-
certain and expensive without gutta-percha
as an insulator. Sulphur, glass, wax, silk,
and all the known substances, which are but
indifferent conductors of electricity, had
been tried and rejected as unsuited TO the
covering of extended lines of wire; conse-
qucntly, the wires have been extended
through our cities towns aud villages on un-
slightly poles, subject 10 the action of atmos-
pheric electricity, marring the beauty of our
streets and parks, endungering the lives of
our citizens, and liable TO constant Interrupt
ton by wind and storms and the pranks of
mischevous urchins. The combination in
gutta-percla of strength, flexibity, and 9TH
er properties which render ii durable, togeth-
er with the ease with which, in its soft con-
dition, it is wound by machinery around the
wire, and its perfect tnon-conducting property
as respects electricity, direct our attention to
it as the one Thing needed to perfect this
great and valuable discovery. Rivers are
crossed by laying wires, insulted with gutta-
percha, upon the bed or bottom, and shortly
we may expect to see poles discarded, Nc
the Prussan plan of putting the wires two
feet in the ground adoptcd for then, anC
then only, shall we have perfect and relia
bic system of telegraphing-prolitable to the
companies and in universal use.
Gutta-percba is made to take the place o
caststeel in the manufacture of cylinders io
cotton-gins and cotton and wooen machine
ry, reducing the cost of such machinery anC
rendering it better suited to the wants Of tn,
country. Again: as it is not expanded o.
contracted by any degree of heat or colt
under 100 f. aud is unaffected by damp
ness, ncldS, ana OILS, retaining llte-sprint
of per cent it is found most suitable fo
machine-bands, and must rapidly take tn,
place of gearing in manufacturing by water
power, very materially reducing the cost o
erection, and giving a steadier power
noseless, uniform and permanent.
Gutta-percha is also substituted for lead o
iron in manufacturing water or gas.pipe
aud IS found far preferable to either, bein,
cheaper, not liable to oxidize, free from
poison, not injured by frost, and sustain
ing any amount Of pressure without burst
ing.
Ii is imporous, an excellent conductor O
sound, rcsists abrasion in an eminent de
gree, makes waterproof and durable sol
to shoes, and in many other respects take
the place of leather. 1t is found TO be
good absorbent, but a poor conductor G
heat, remarkably adhesive at high temper
ature. 1t is easily joined without resoriin
To other substances to connect il. A ne,
substance found in Natures laboratory i
such abundance, and with SO many valiabl
+ and remarkable properties, is destined, II
doubt, 10 enter largely into the consumptio
| OF civilized nniinus = lfereLo,,Is3