The Stark County Democrat. [volume] (Canton, Ohio) 1833-1912, 1873-06-19
! yssl Frem the American Trade JOarnsL ~
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A1O0ELQGs
Within the past three or four years
public attention has been somewhat
strongly invited to consideration of the
merits of the article of Asbestos in con-
nection with roofing materials, thro' the
advertising colnms Of the press Of this
country. While many have, during this
period, sought its services IN the direction
Indicated, and caused it TO become sub
Ject of large commercial value, few, even
of those who give it their practical sup
port, really know its nature, excepting. of
course, educated and scientific men. It
Is, however, quite an Interesting. article.
and capable of forming the basis of an en-
tortaining and instructive essay. The
limits of our columns precludes the pos
ability Of such an indulgence, but on
account of its accepted utility, and its
development as an article of trade among
Us, few words concerning itmay not be
without interest to the many of our read
ers, and of consequent service to the
public. -lFSfp
Asbestos ia a Greek word, signifying
incombustibility of character and an ar
ticle OF mineral nature, SO soft that it can
be spun or woven INTO fabrics. 1t Is
remarkable for being ineombustible, and
for this reason It was used by the ancients
for wrapping up their dead before placing
them on the funeral pile, ia order that
none of their ashes might be lost, the fabric
IN which the corpse was enfolded remain
ing intact throughout the Pyrean ordeal.
They also used it for napkins, which,
when soiled, were passed through the fire
to be cleansed. They likewise used it for
lamp wicks, and its endurance in this
form was marvellous. In modern times
it has received but few applications, the
principal of which is in its incorporation
into the manufacture of roofing materials.
Chemically it is a silicate of magnesia and
alumina.
The localities in which it is found are
numerous, abeunding in various forms in
many parts of the United States, the
finest grades being obtained in Corsica
and other places up the Mediterranean.
As 3 variety of hormblende, it partakes
of he characters of silicate and aluminate
ofmagnesia, lime and protoxlde of iron,
with variable quantity of the fuorides
of calcium and potassium, combining
them in fbrous substance. 1t is unaf-
fected by acids, and said to be the best
known non conductor Of heat, in conse-
quence. Its successful incorporation,
therefore, into the modern order of cheap
and convenient roofing and covering for
steam pipes, boilers, etc., may be rightly
regarded as a public boon. and triumph of
American energy and skill; for, as it is
prepared IN these and various other forms,
by Mr.. II. w. Johns, it is sminently
entitled to this consideration; the roofing
produced by him being fully up to the
qualities which he claims for It, namely ::
waterproof proof against sparks and Gin
, ders, cheap and durable. Mr.. Johns has
devoted fifteen years to perfect his work,
the production Of reliable and low priced
materials for roofing, etc, and success has
rewarded his enterprise and that pubic
benefit has been obtainedin this direction,
we are happy to be able to proclaim as a
TACT, IN the interest and promotion of
American industries. He obtains Asbestos
from extensive mines IN this country, be-
sides importing considerable quantities of
the finer gredes of the mineral from
Europe, and has large factory CONSTANT
ly running at Long Island city, L. /,
where as many as 10000 feet of the As
bestos rpofng arc produced daily. This
material is adapted to steep or fiat roofs,
and when finished. weighs only abont so
pounds TO 100 square feet. 1t can be
readily applied, and is suitable for, and
vail retain its peculiar qualities in any
climate, and u shipped to nearly alparts
of the world.
The article itself, l. e., Asbestos Roof
ing, consists of a foundation Of strong,
heavy canvas, and surface layer, CAS-
bestos coated felt" saturated with patent
acid and water proof composition, to
which is added MANILA lining, prevent
ing adhesion to the roof boards.
Besides the original and principal article
Of Asbestos roofing manufactured by Mr..
Johns, he incorporates the mineral into
various other forms of roofing material,
such as Asbestos boards, paper, coating,
cement, etc.
We are glad to be able to add that the
feeble expression Of our recognition. Of the
article of Asbestos, As utilized by Mr..
Johns, Is supported by the fact, beyond
that Of the Heknowlsdged steady increase
Of its manufacture, by its having in this
form received the prize medal of the
American Institute, and the unqualified
approval of thousands of the prominent
arehiteets, builders, Manufacturers, and
railroad companies throughout the coun-
try.
Samples, prices, descriptive pamphlets,
estimates of cost, and all further desired
infornatiSns viii be promptly furnished
by JOHN o. NUHAMAKzR,
- a, 4 - "a - II ,ouiav1llaf Sfark Co q