Weekly Chillicothe crisis., 1880-01-22
The pangers Of CelluIoId.

From the New York Herald.
The explosion of the celluloid factory in
Newark, N. J., recalls the memory Of
that which occurred in the same establish
ment in 1875, when several persons were
injured and the lives OF forty Others en-
dangcrcd. The attention oil scientific
men has been directed to the dangerous
character OF an agency, which has OF late
been finding its way in its manufactured
state, to toilet cases and in fancltul de-
signs and ornaments in cur houses. Gel
luloid Is a comparatively recently dsCov-
cred compound. The cyclopTdias make
no mention oft, and even chemists and
other scientists seem TO be IN some
doubt as to the exact compounds which
enter into it. twas learned upon inquiry
that there are no celluloId manufacturing
works in this city, but that there are sew
eral in Newark and other parts Of New
Jersey. A reporter of the Herald who
called upon Prof. Waller, OF the school of
mines, at Columbia, was shown several
specimens Of the article in its manuac.
turcd state. The embrace brushes and
combs in imitation Of ivory, gentleman S
collars, watch chains, paper cutters, and
ladies high combs in imitation of coral.
Explaining the mode Of their manutac-
ture, Professor Waller said;
"Cclluloid is made from gun.Cotton
and ClmphOr. Gun.cotton is obtained by
use, on ordinary cotton, OF powerful nitric
and sulphuric acids. After it is made,
gunCotton becomes explosive"
''ls cellulold, as such, explosive?"
Those who manipulate 1t avoid ris-
ing temperature while IN process of man
ulacture; but it is claimed that this pre-.
caution is taken to avoid the loss of sub.
stance. In this manufactured state celu
loid is rot always cXploive, but it-is com
bustible. know an instance where q
billiard ball was burned up by coming IL
contact with lighted cigar"
How recently has Celluloid been dis
cOyeredp'
at has been known for nearly tel
years, but it is only within two or thrc,
years that It's manufacture into articles 0
utility has assumed any considerable pro
portions. | believe that there is a manu-
factory in this city, but several exist il
New jersey"
c "Do | understand ycu to say that Gel
luloid is cXplosive?'
81 do not know that it is explosive i,
q its manufactured state, yet from the nj
f turc at the compound ! can readily unde
s stand that it might bn so. There is a pt
$ culialiiy about all these nitro-compopnd
c For instance, some Of the blasting pov
r ders containing nitro-glycerinc will bur
/ when flames are applied without cxploC
l. ing, yet when detanating compound
used they always explode violently"
Then You assume from these example
that the new compound Is dangerousI"
/ "As II general rule should not expe
articles made of cellulcid to be dangerou
! though under certain conditions Of pac
r ing, and so forth, they might be-
4 Another scientific expert said, in e
Il planning the mode OF manufactures:
5, when mixed celulOid comes out it is
# a solid substance or long sticks. Then
rs is heated, much TIE same that sealin
OF wax might be, in the same condition, al
N placed in mouIds. Subjected to hea'
IL hydraulic pressure, it is fashioned into a
tiCles Of ornament or utility. Alterwa
As when applied to steam, yapor, or hes
the goods become flexible and easily i
ilammable. think that some agen
other than gun-cotton is now used in
manufacture.