CERTAIN MEANS OF DEPRIVING CAOUTCHOUC OF ALL UNPLEASANT PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION-ASANT ODOUR, AND OF IMPARTING TO IT VARIOUS AGREEABLE PERFUMES
Year: 1853

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to Eugene de Varroc, of Great Chesterfield
Street, in the County of Middlesex, Artist, for the Invention of
"CERTAIN MEANS OF DEPRIVING CAOUTCHOUC OF ALL UNPLEASANT
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said Eugene do Varroc
at the Office of the Commissioners of Patents, with his Petition,
on the 26th August 1858.
I, EUGENE DE VARROC, of Great Chesterfield Street, in the County
of Middlesex, Artist, do hereby declare the nature of the said
Invention for "CERTAIN MEANS OF DEPRIVING CAOUTCHOUC OF ALL UN-
PLEASANT ODOUR, AND OF IMPARTING TO IT VARIOUS AGREEABLE PERFUMES,"
to be as follows:-
In order to deprive caoutchouc, whether in block or sheet, after
being cleansed and purified, or whether applied on cloth or other
substance, I expose it to currents of heated air impregnated with
several disinfecting agents, such as the fumes of nitre, of alum, of oxalic
A
Spe

page_text: acid, of alcohol, of chlorine, of chloride of zinc, of sulphate of lime, of
ammonia, of carbonic, sulphuric, or boric acids. The fumes of such
substances in a cold state will also answer the same end, but will
occupy rather longer time. In some instances I dip the caoutchouc
in a bath composed of a solution of chalk, lime, whiting, or of some
other disinfecting agent. And where desirable I impart an agreeable
odour to caoutchouc and articles containing caoutchouc by exposing it
or them to the fumes of the essence of lavender or other essential oil or
gum of any agreeable perfume.
SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent,
filed by the said Eugene de Varroc in the Great Seal Patent
Office on the 25th February 1854.
TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS SHALL COME, I,
EUGENE DE VARROC, of Great Chesterfield Street, in the County of
Middlesex, Artist, send greeting.
WHEREAS Her most Excellent Majesty Queen Victoria, by Her
Letters Patent, bearing date the Twenty-sixth day of August, in the
year of our Lord One thousand eight hundred and fifty-three, in the
seventeenth year of Her reign, did, for Herself, Her heirs and suc-
cessors, give and grant. unto me, the said Eugene de Varroc, Her
special licence that I, the said Eugene de Varroc, my executors,
administrators, and assigns, or such others as I, the said Eugene de
Varroc, my executors, administrators, and assigns, should at any time
agree with, and no others, from time to time and at all times thereafter
during the term therein expressed, should and lawfully might make,
use, exercise, and vend, within the United Kingdom of Great Britain
and Ireland, the Channel Islands, and Isle of Man, an Invention for
*CERTAIN MEANS OF DEPRIVING CAOUTCHOUC OF ALL UNPLEASANT ODOUR, AND
OF IMPARTING TO IT VARIOUS AGREEABLE PERFUMES," upon the condition
(amongst others) that I, the said Eugene de Varroc, by an instrument
in writing under my hand and seal, should particularly describe and
ascertain the nature of the said Invention, and in what manner the

page_text: same was to be performed, and cause the same to be filed in the Great
Seal Patent Office within six calendar months next and immediately
after the date of the said Letters Patent.
NOW KNOW YE, that I, the said Eugene de Varroc, do
hereby declare the nature of niy said Invention, and in what manner
the same is to be performed, to be particularly described and ascer-
tained in and by the following statement, reference being had to the
Drawings hereunto annexed, that is to say:
The Invention consists of three distinct methods or processes. The
first consists in exposing caoutchouc or.articles coated with caoutchouc
in baths containing in solution infusions, essences, decoctions, ex-
tracts, &c. of such vegetable matters as flowers, plants, and roots,
The second process consists in subjecting caoutchouc, or articles coated.
with caoutchouc, to the action of currents of air or vapors, The
third process consists in immersing the caoutchouc, or articles coated
with caoutchouc, in baths containing solutions of lime. For some par-
poses I use two of the processes combined, and for others I combine
other means with one or more of them, as hercin-after described. The
respective methods of operation are as follows:-
SOLUTION No. 1.
2
In 24 quarts of water I place 4lbs. of dry verbena, which should be
chopped up so as to expedite the process of maceration, which is to
be performed in a cold state in a large covered vessel adapted for
such purpose. This infusion takes. from 24. to 36 hours to attain
a suitable strength. I take 4 quarts of this infusion of verbena, in
which, during the space of an hour at the most, lb. of dry flowers of
lavender are boiled; after this the remaining 20 quarts are added,
and the mixture is transferred to a filter in order to cleause it from
residuary matters. It is then poured into a wide zinc tub or other
suitable vat capacious enough to allow the great coats, paletots,
fabrics, &c. coated with or waterproofed by caontchouc to be disin-
fected, being spread out flat therein, whereby the action of the solution
will be expedited. The paletots, fabrics, &c. are then immersed in the
cold solution, care being taken to turn them over several times in order

page_text: to facilitate the penetration and action of the solution. They are left
in the bath for a time depending on the thickness of the article under
treatment. Paletots, leggings, air cushions, or other articles of a
similar character, require from 20 to 24, and even as much as 26 hours.
When such time has elapsed the articles are withdrawn and spread out
on ropes to dry. This latter process, when performed in the fresh air,
varies according to the temperature and season. I have found by expe-
rience, however, that it is preferable to dry the articles or goods in a
drying apparatus, or better still in a drying stove, whereby the desiccation
only occupies a very few hours; the success of the process depends
considerably on the rapid drying of the goods. The action of the drying
chamber or stove, while drying the goods at the same time, reduces
the degree of expansion they acquire under the action of the disin-
fecting agents. It is a good plan to stretch out the goods on cords in
the fresh air for about an hour, but no longer, after they have been
removed from the drying chamber. When this last operation has been
completed the goods are ready for use, and they will be found to be
entirely free from any return of the odour of caoutchouc or of any of the
substances employed in the manufacture of waterproofed materials, even
when the goods have been vulcanized. The first solution is adapted to
all sorts of light goods, such as alpaca overcoats, colored silks, air
cushions, kerseymeres, cashmers, velvets, and other descriptions of
fabrics. The lavender flowers may be replaced by from 2 to 3 oz. of the
root of the whorl-flowered bent-grass (vetyver), which has the property
of easily dissipating the odour of caoutchouc. This root is to be infused
in about 4 quarts of solution of verbena, which is to be heated, but not
boiled. When the root has been allowed to remain 10 or 15 hours in the
solution, and the solution has cooled, it will have acquired the necessary
amount of action. The whole should be mixed up as previously
described, care being taken to filter it; care should also be taken to
keep up the requisite quantity in the bath; and it should be renewed
from time to time by adding fresh supplies of solution in the same
proportion as before. After the infusions have been completed, the
residua of the verbena, the lavender, and especially the root of the
whorl-flowered bent-grass (vetyver) may be turned to account by

page_text: placing them together in an earthen vessel or barrel filled with water.
They yield by maceration waters strongly impregnated, which may
serve as bases for new solutions, to which the same ingredients may be
added in the same proportions as before directed. The plants which
compose the before-mentioned infusions, being very aromatic, are not
liable to decomposition or putridity during a prolonged period of mace-
ration. The waters obtained by maceration, as before mentioned,
may be employed as bases in the manner to be presently referred to.
SOLUTION No. 2.
In 24 quarts of water I boil for an hour, or longer, if necessary,
1 lb. of dry camomile flowers, adding thereto about half a pound of
dry lavender flowers. The mixture is then transferred to a woollen filter
in order to remove the leaves of the camomile flowers, which would
otherwise stick to the goods, being of a very adhesive nature. The
goods to be deprived of their unpleasant odour are immersed in the
mixture, which is used in a cold state, and contained in a vessel large
enough to admit of their being stretched or spread out in it, care being
taken to turn them over several times in order that the solution may
penetrate and act on all parts of them equally. They are allowed to.
remain in the bath for about 20 to 24 hours, according to the thick-
ness of the particular goods under treatment. At the end of that.
time they are withdrawn and hung on lines in order to be dried. The
disinfecting operation is then completed. This solution is particularly
suitable for such goods as alpacas, closely woven silks, woollen stuff's,
air cushions, and other articles not composed of caoutchouc alone.
The solution leaves no noticeable odour, and prevents all return of the
original smell. For the lavender flowers about 2 or 3 oz. of root of
whorl-flowered bent-grass (vetyver) nay be substituted. This is to
be prepared as described with reference to solution No. 1, and care
must be taken to mix up the compound thoroughly, so as to effect an
intimate commixture of the bent-grass (vetyver) with the camomile
infusion. The bent grass (vetyver) possesses disinfecting properties
analogous to those of camphor, without having the strong odour
which characterizes that material. The several residua of the camomile

page_text: flowers, lavender flowers, and the roots of the whort flowered bent grass
(vetyver), are placed together in a vessel filled with water, and may be
employed as very strong bases for new solutions of the same nature, or
as bases for the solutions to be hereafter referred to.
SOLUTION No. 3.
In 24 quarts of water I put 4 lbs. of verbena, chopped up fine, in
order to facilitate the maceration, which is performed in a cold state,
and requires from 24 to 36 hours, according to the season or the degree
of strength desired to be imported to the solution. In 24 quarts of water
I boil for an hour or more a pound of camomile flowers. The two solutions
are then mixed up, and carefully transferred into a woollen filter in
order to get rid of the leaves and residua of the camomile flowers.
The mixture is then placed in a wide vessel or vat in a cold state, and
the overcoats, woollen goods, alpacas, and manufactured articles, such
as air cushions, are then plunged in the vessel; the time they are
allowed to remain in the bath varies, according to the thickness of the
goods, from 20 to 25 hours for the stoutest kinds. The goods are then
taken out of the solution, and placed on lines to be dried; the drying
being effected in the same manner and with the same results as
mentioned with reference to solution No. 1. The residua left from
the preparation of this solution, when macerated in cold water, yield
solutions which serve as powerful bases for subsequent solutions.
flowers, lavender towers, and the roots or the whori nowered pent grass
(vetyver), are placed together in a vessel filled with water, and may be
employed as very strong bases for new solutions of the same nature, or
as bases for the solutions to be hereafter referred to.
SOLUTION No. 3.
.
In 24 quarts of water I put 4 lbs. of verbena, chopped up fine, in
order to facilitate the maceration, which is performed in a cold state,
and requires from 24 to 36 hours, according to the season or the degree
of strength desired to be imported to the solution. In 24 quarts of water
I boil for an hour or more a pound of camomile flowers. The two solutions
are then mixed up, and carefully transferred into a woollen filter in
order to get rid of the leaves and residua of the camomile flowers.
The mixture is then placed in a wide vessel or vat in a cold state, and
the overcoats, woollen goods, alpacas, and manufactured articles, such
as air cushions, are then plunged in the vessel; the time they are
allowed to remain in the bath varies, according to the thickness of the
goods, from 20 to 25 hours for the stoutest kinds.
taken out of the solution, and placed on lines to be dried; the drying
being effected in the same manner and with the same results as
mentioned with reference to solution No. 1. The residua left from
the preparation of this solution, when macerated in cold water, yield
solutions which serve as powerful bases for subsequent solutions.
.
SOLUTION No 4.
The goods are then
To 12 quarts of the infusion of camomile (No. 2,) I add 12 quarts
of the infusion of verbena, No. 3, before described; and in the mixture
thus produced I boil for an hour or thereabouts about lb. of dry
lavender flowers, and I then add 14 oz. or 2 oz. of elder flowers, or
more, according as it may be desired to render the solution more or less
active. The whole is carefully filtered in a woollen filter in order to
cleanse it. The solution is placed in a vat, and I then immerse therein
overcoats, stout fabrics, air cushions, alpacas, and other closely woven
fabrics. The time that the immersion should last depends on the
stoutness of the goods, from 18 to 25 hours at the outside for the

page_text: thickest qualities. They are withdrawn and stretched. out on lines, and
dried as mentioned in reference to solution No. 1. This solution is
extremely penetrating, and effects complete disinfection. If it is,
desired to impart a greater strength to the solution for stouter qualities.
of goods, and for such as are generally strongly impregnated with the,
disagreeable smell of caoutchone, the proportion of elder flowers may be.
increased to an extent that will produce the desired effect It must be
observed that the solution attacks black glazed fabrics, such as black and
white checked caoutchouc fabrics, having a highly glazed black founda-
tion, which are liable to become streaked with white, especially when they;
have been vulcanized. For this reason I recommend this solution for
treating double-faced alpacas and black silk goods, to which it imparts.
fresh gloss. The solution, when strongly impregnated with elder
flowers, yields an aromatic odour, which evaporates rapidly in the air
The residua of the solution when macerated in water yield liquors
which serve as bases for fresh solutions, and thereby effect a saving of
material. The elder root may be substituted for elder flower in this.
solution; or the powder of the root of Florentine iris, or fleur de lis,
may be substituted for the eller flowers, using it in the proportion of
8 oz. to 4 oz. This powder imparts to the mixture in which it is.
boiled a very slight odour; it is, however, very penetrating, and at the
same time very active as a disinfecting agent, and when drying leaves.
no smell. It may be employed with like advantage in the solutions
In 24 quarts of common water I boil 1 lb. of camomile flowers,
adding 1b of Florentine iris in powder, and boiling the whole for about
an hour, after which it is passed through a woollen filter in order to
purify it. The mixture is then poured into a vat, and when cold the
goods to be deprived from their unpleasant odour are plunged in it,.
care being taken to turn them so that the solution may penetrate them
sufficiently. They are left in the bath from 18 to 24 hours, according,
to their thickness, and are then withdrawn and dried, as described with
reference to solution No. 1. This solution is particularly adapted for

page_text: fabrics of light texture and light colors, The quantity of iris powder
may be reduced, and root of whorl flowered bent grass (vetyver)
added. I recommend this solution as well adapted for silks, velvets, in
short, to all fabrics which are worn as articles of female apparel, and
for covering parasols and umbrellas. The residua are retained in a
vessel, and covered with water to serve as bases for new solutions pre-
pared in the same proportions.
PROCESS No. 1. (By cold immersion, adapted especially for delicate
caoutchouc goods intended for ladies wearing apparel.)
In a wooden vat lined with sheets of zinc about 6 feet long to
4 feet wide, and about 8 or 10 inches deep, and closed, when required,
by a wooden cover also lined with zinc, I prepare the following
solution To 48 quarts of water I add 1 lb. of camomile flowers,
green or dry and then, after boiling the same for nearly an hour,
I add lb. of Florentine iris root. 1 then strain the whole through a
flannel filter. The residua may be macerated in cold water, as before
mentioned, to act as bases for new solutions. This solution when cold
is poured into the vat before mentioned, and one pint of alcohol, which
may be perfumed at the pleasure of the operator, is added in order to
strengthen the solution. The perfume I prefer for this purpose is
English honey in the proportion of oz. This mixture should be well
stirred with a boxwood spatula. The goods are then placed in the vat,
spread out flat; they should be turned about frequently, so that the
solution may completely penetrate them, taking especial care only to
put into the same bath goods of about the same color, stoutness, and
quality. The vessel should be covered while the goods remain in it.
The time for steeping the goods will vary according to the activity of
the solution, and particularly to the different qualitics and thicknesses
of the goods. Fifteen hours are sufficient by this process for silks
of light colors and textures, alpacas, and others of the same description.
For black silks, and light wollens, merinos, kerseymeres, cashmeres,
velvets, woollen cloths, &c., 20 or 24 hours would be sufficient. This
process expels all unpleasant smell from the goods, removes all likeli-
hood of such smell returning, and substitutes for it a very pleasant

page_text: odour. When the goods are impregnated with the solution they arc
withdrawn and placed in a drying stove, as referred to previously. They
should remain there only a few hours, and should, when quite dry, be
hung on lines in the fresh air, after which they are ready for use. This
process is cheap, and the solution is serviceable up to the last drop.
It fits articles for use as articles of wearing apparel for ladics, which
might not otherwise have served such purposes.
PROCESS No. 2, to be employed for removing unpleasant smell from
articles, such as india-rubber bands, thick gum rings for babies, india-
rubber balls, sponge bags, and other articles of a similar class.
An earthen pan or vessel adapted to the dimensions of the articles
under treatment, and provided with a cover, should be used for this
purpose. 24 quarts of an infusion of any one of my inodorous mixtures,
Nos. 1, to 5, are taken for base; but I take for the present instance
the mixture containing the elder flower infusion; to this infusion
should be added one pint of spirits of wine, in which should be niixed
1 oz. essential oil of lavender, and about 45 grains troy of hydrochloric
acid. The whole is to be well mixed with a wooden spatula. This
odoriferous mixture will be found of great strength. The goods are
placed in the solution in a suitable vessel, and the vessel being closed,
they are left therein for not less than 30 hours. When the goods are
removed from the bath they should hang up to dry in the open air, which
takes at the utmost from 10 to 12 hours; when dry, they are taken
down, having acquired a greater or less amount of agrecable odour,
according to the strength imparted to the solution by the essences
and tinctures used. A vessel holding 24 quarts of mixture will con-
tain easily 2000 bands or rings. In order completely and regularly
to expel all unpleasant odour from india-rubber balls it is advisable to
introduce the solution into the aperture used for admitting the air, for
which purpose the ball should be pressed with the fingers so as to
cause the mixture to be drawn in, when it will sink, and be covered by
the solution or mixture. This plan would also answer for air bottles,
cushions, and other articles of that description, in which the mixture
is required to act on the inside as well as the outside to completely free

page_text: it from unpleasant smell. When the caoutchouc goods to be treated
are of a red color, (if there should be many to be disinfected,) they
should be treated in a separate vessel, and to the 24 quarts of the base
of the solution should be added about oz. of sulphuric acid; but
this acid should be employed very sparingly, as it would destroy or
injure the goods if used in too large quantities. It imparts, when used
in the proportions mentioned, a great gloss to articles of a red color,
owing to its coloring property. It must not, however, be added to
the other solutions, as its effect would there be very injurious.
The following is a method of utilizing the coloring property of this acid
for dyeing the fabrics covering the caoutchouc red and madder color:
After having removed by any one of my processes the unpleasant sniell
from a piece of facric, black and white checked on one side, and black
glazed on the other, a vessel. of sufficient size is half filled with a solu-
tion composed of 24 quarts of infusion of the root of whorl-flowered
bent-grass (vetyver) or camomile flowers, to which are added 1 oz.
of sulphuric acid; and after the mixture has been well stirred and
mixed together the fabric under treatment should be completely
immersed therein, and allowed to imbibe the solution for about 5 or 6
minutes; it should then be withdrawn and stretched on a line, where it
will acquire a red color as it dries; when completely dry it will be of a
very fine red color; but care should be taken not to leave it longer than
5 minutes in the solution, on account of the destructive property of the
sulphuric acid, which would burn the fabric. If desired, a blueish tint
may be imparted to the same red stuff. My solution No. 1, should be
used as a re-agent; the red fabric has only to be placed in this bath, and
kept there for 3 hours, and when withdrawn it will have acquired a
blueish. black color. Or the same result may be attained thus:-
Instead of first disinfecting the fabric as when it has to be dyed red, it
would suffice to immerse it in its unpleasantly smelling condition into
the coloring solution before described, and then afterwards to expel its
disagreeable odour by disinfecting it in bath No. 1, whence it would be
withdrawn dyed after being dried of a blue color. These dyeing processes
open up several methods of employing caoutchouc goods advantageously
without destroying their flexibility and impermeability.

page_text: Another solution of a highly disinfecting nature may be made with my?
lime solutions (to be referred to further on), to every. 24 quarts of which
should be added 1 lb. of elder flower, and from 4 to 8 ounces of ginger
root, and the whole should be boiled for an hour in 2. quarts of
water. In this case it would be useless to strain off the residua, which
by their presence impart a stronger action to the solution. Into this
mixture to every 24 quarts should be added either an ounce of liquid,
chlorine, or oz. hydrochloric acid; but this should be very sparingly
used, so as not to injure the fabric, as otherwise an injurious hardening"
effect might be produced. In this cold solution the goods to be treated
should be stretched out flat, and allowed to remain in the bath for
from 86 to 48 hours (but no longer) for the stoutor qualities. On
coming from the bath they should be well washed in clean water.)
After being washed I place them in a drying stove or chamber, the
temperature of which may be carried to a very high degree, on account
of the quality and stoutness of the fabrics. The heat, however, should
not be raised high enough to shrivel them. They should next be hung:
on lines in the open air, and are then ready for use, having acquired no:
other than a very slight odour from the elder flowers.
When it is desired to impregnate fabrics with agreeable odour, so,
as to render them fitted for various uses for which their unpleasant,
smell has hitherto prevented their being employed, but for which
their elastic and waterproof qualities would make them particularly:
serviceable, such as bindings for books, &c., covers or cases for articles
of value, which it may be desired to keep from damp, &c. &c., the
disinfecting bases described from Nos. 1, to 5, may be used at pleasure.
Alcohol or acids should be added if pure caoutchouc is to be treated.
If light thin fabrics are to be treated, then essence only or alcohol
should be added. Alcohol is a powerful agent when employed for
pure caoutchouc goods, and used in such proportion as not to be too
active. If to these solutions essence of birch tree is added (which
essence imparts so pleasant a smell to Russian leathers) the goods
thus treated will be preserved from insects, especially in libraries,
Essences for the same purpose may also be composed with camphor
on an alcohol base, also camphogenic acid (acide camphogéne), as,

page_text: propor-
it is called by Mr. Dunias, may be employed. It is an active disin-
fecting agent, but its burning properties render many precautions
necessary in its employment. Experience would regulate the
tions in which it should be used. More than 15 drops to 24 quarts
of the solution should never be used, especially for aromatic solutions.
Thus it may be added in the proportion mentioned in aromatic per-
fumed solutions, such as those of camomile flowers, whorl-flowered
bent-grass (vetyver), tamarind leaves, black tea leaves, leaves of various
laurels, and orange trees, and sage, all of which may enter into
the different solutions as bases, or combined with other flowers,
leaves, grains, berries, and fruits, which would be too tedious to
ennumerate here, but which, nevertheless, I claim as contributing to
the results which I have for my object. I note for the same purpose
the leaves and flowers of roses, peach trees, &c.; rose water, lavender
water, whorl-flowered bent-grass water (eau de vetyver), essences of
patchouli, lemon, musk, &c., tincture of clove, cinnamon, and ginger;
in fine, all known essences and fragrant waters. All may be used in
my processes and solutions in proportions which cannot be here fixed,
but which may be taught by practice. By means of these solutions
all descriptions of fabrics made of caoutchouc, or combined with caout-
chouc, each process being applied respectively according to the quality,
color, and stoutness of the particular description of goods under treat-
it is called by Mr. Dunias, may be employed. It is an active disin-
fecting agent, but its burning properties render many precautions
necessary in its employment. Experience would regulate the propor-
tions in which it should be used. More than 15 drops to 24 quarts
of the solution should never be used, especially for aromatic solutions.
Thus it may be added in the proportion mentioned in aromatic per-
fumed solutions, such as those of camomile flowers, whorl-flowered
bent-grass (vetyver), tamarind leaves, black tea leaves, leaves of various
laurels, and orange trees, and sage, all of which may enter into
the different solutions as bases, or combined with other flowers,
leaves, grains, berries, and fruits, which would be too tedious to
ennumerate here, but which, nevertheless, I claim as contributing to
the results which I have for my object. I note for the same purpose
the leaves and flowers of roses, peach trees, &c.; rose water, lavender
water, whorl-flowered bent-grass water (eau de vetyver), essences of
patchouli, lemon, musk, &c., tincture of clove, cinnamon, and ginger;
in fine, all known essences and fragrant waters. All may be used in
my processes and solutions in proportions which cannot be here fixed,
but which may be taught by practice. By means of these solutions
all descriptions of fabrics made of caoutchouc, or combined with caout-
chouc, each process being applied respectively according to the quality,
color, and stoutness of the particular description of goods under treat-
ment.
PROCESS OF DISINFECTION BY DRY FUMIGATION.
I employ for this process the following apparatus:-A large case or
frame made of wood, iron rods, copper, or other metal, and of the
shape shewn in the Drawing annexed. The dimensions of the case
vary according to circumstances. The four sides are covered with
metallic or wire cloth, with square meshes, as shewn in the Drawing;
the meshes may be of any required width. I place this frame in a
chamber arranged as a drying stove, heated by currents of hot air of a

page_text: requisite degree, producing a softening effect in the caoutchouc goods,
care should be taken that it be not too strong, so as to shrivel them,
for which reason the heating should be gradually effected, and practice
would regulate the point to which it should be raised. By an aperture
in one of the sides of the frame an iron stand is introduced and placed
in the centre of the frame; on the stand is placed a metal basin or
vessel forming a perfuming pan. Under the perfuming pan I place a
spirit lamp (oil which emits smoke must not be employed). The flame
should proceed from three or more cotton wicks well spread out, and
arranged so as to embrace the whole of the lower part of the
perfuming pan, which is intended to hold the various ingredients
intended for fumigating, which are to be lighted or caused to emit
vapor by means of the spirit lamp. Matters being thus arranged, the
caoutchouc fabrics (overcoats and goods in caoutchouc not covered by
any other material,) should be extended as flatly as possible on the four
sides of the pyramidal apparatus or frame, so that the smoke and the
vapours of the fumigating substances may penetrate the same com-
pletely, the high temperature of the drying stove contributing thereto.
This disinfecting process occupies generally 2 or 3 hours, according to
the nature or stoutness of the goods under treatment, and according to
the strength of the disinfecting ingredients. When the goods are
withdrawn from the drying stove they should be placed on lines in a.
drying chamber, provided with a strong double current of air. After
leaving them there 12, 15, or 18 hours, the overcoats and fabrics will
have lost the odour more or less strong of the various agents employed
in the fumigating process. The top of the frame should be covered
with a moveable wire cloth so as to allow the vapours to be diffused in
the drying stove, and thus come in contact with every side of the goods
subjected to their action. In the spaces not covered by the fabrics,
and on the angles of the frame, I place here and there caoutchouc
bands for papers, sponge bags, tobacco pouches, in short, any small
articles of such description; so arranging them, however, as not to place
one article on another, or to allow them to interfere with each other,
thereby turning the surface of the apparatus to good account. The
upper transversal rods of the four sides of the framing should be

page_text: provided with small hooks and screw rings, on which may he
hung the articles placed round the apparatus, either by means of
Cords or by hooks, as is done in the drying process. Among the
Substances or ingredients suitable for these fumigating processes I
think it useful to mention the 'principal:-The essences of patchouli,
whorl-flowered bent grass (velyver), benzoin, and ginger; honey
water, ginger water, sweet "marjoram water, tincture of cloves!
jasmine, Florentine iris, vanilla, rose, orange flowers, lemon flowers,
bergamot, neroli, rosemary, &c. &c.; dry flowers of lavender. anil
elder flowers may be used, which may be mixed with iris powder and
with dry grated lemon peel. The whole may be made into a paste
With a little water, to which twice the amount of alcohol may be added
This paste is placeil in the perfuming pan, where it--burns slowly;
sending forth a very thick smoke, which penetrates the goods and disin
fects them. Orange peel and scented pastilles may also be employeds
& Fumigating pastes may also be made with iris powders, crushed.
unisced, cinnamon," juniper powders (the odour of which is of a very
penetrating nature), clove tamarind leaves, mint; laurel whorl-flowered
bent-grass root (racine de vetyver), &c. I recommend these-pastes as
licing easily prepared and very cheap.
C As regards the fumigating processes by means of essences, .I recom-
mend the following; and it should be observed that I always-form the
pastes which I have mentioned with iris powder, in order to obtain
fumigating agents which do not evaporate as do those of pure
essences, and which are therefore more expensive, without morcover
yielding the same result as I obtain from these pastes in the com-
position of which the iris powder enters. I take about 1 oz. of
this powder, which I mix with with the essential oil of lavender, and E
place the pastilles composed of this mixture in the perfuming pan,
where they emit, while burning, a penetrating smoke. This mixture
is cheap and successful.
Other odoriferous and perfumed aromatic pastes may be made of diffe-
rent descriptions, with flowers, fruits, grains, berries, leaves, roots, &c.
mentioned in my various processes, and which I claim without naming
them here.
"

page_text: I here annex the description of mixtures' to be employed in following
my non-perfumed fumigating processes. I take some flower of sulphur,
and mix or dilute it with liquid ammonia, say 1 oz. of flower of sulphur
to half that quantity of ammonia; or, instead of ammonia, liquid chlorine
or chloride of zinc may be used as having a strong disinfecting effect.
I compose, as I have before stated, a paste which I saturate with some
drops of alcohol; I then place this paste in the perfuming pan, where it
burns slowly, emitting a very thick smoke, and exercising a strong
action. However, care should be taken. in using this mixture, only to
subject thereto fabrics with a plain white ground, or black and white
fabrics made of caoutchouc only, or, in short, only such goods as are
not liable to be discolored by the chlorine and flour of sulphur. This
mixture, when used for fumigating purposes, is one of the strongest and
most active as a disinfecting agent; it is well adapted for air mattrasses.
air cushions, &c., owing to their plain color. The penetrating odour
which it imparts to the stuffs is expelled when they come out of the
fumigating process, by subjecting them to a double current of air for
a length of time, regulated according to circumstances. In order more
certainly to remove this odour of chlorine and sulphur 'the goods should
be immersed for 2 or 3 hours in one of the cold baths composed as
described as No. 1, to 5, and then dried in the manner described in
reference to goods treated in the said solutions. Great care should
be taken, when making use of this mixture of sulphur and chlorine,
on account of the suffocating emanations that proceed therefrom, and
fire so injurious to health.
Another mixture may be made with about 1 oz. of Florentine iris
powder, and oz. of powdered camphor, with 1 oz. of salt of nitre.
saturated with some drops of alcohol. This paste burns slowly in the
perfuming pan, and not only dissipates the unpleasant odour attaching
to caoutchouc goods, but also leaves a very agreeable and salubrious
perfume on account of the properties of the camphor entering into its
composition. This mixture is very inexpensive. Light colored overcoats
may be treated by this fumigating process, as also silk fabrics which
may be applicable for ladies wearing apparel, fabrics for air cushions,
mattrasses for children's cradles, &c.
:

page_text: Other pastes may be composed of resinous gums, mixing them in-
variably with iris powder or with maize flour, to which small portions of
alkali or sulphurous acid may be added. This paste should be made
into small cakes, and burnt in the perfuming pan; such fabrics should
be subjected to those processes as are not liable to be discolored by the
influence of certain acids, such as sulphurous acids, &c.
These cheap mixtures have each respectively a stronger or weaker
action, but all lead to the same results. After withdrawing the goods
they should be subjected to the double current of air referred to in
order to dissipate any predominant odour. In order to turn the appa-
ratus to good account it is better only to place therein fabrics of the
same degree of stoutness, &c., so as to fumigate them uniformly and
Other pastes may be composed of resinous gums, mixing them in-
variably with iris powder or with maize flour, to which small portions of
alkali or sulphurous acid may be added. This paste should be made
into small cakes, and burnt in the perfuming pan; such fabrics should
be subjected to these processes as are not liable to be discolored by the
influence of certain acids, such as sulphurous acids, &c.
These cheap mixtures have each respectively a stronger or weaker
action, but all lead to the same results. After withdrawing the goods
they should be subjected to the double current of air referred to in
order to dissipate any predominant odour. In order to turn the appa-
ratus to good account it is better only to place therein fabrics of the
same degree of stoutness, &c., so as to fumigate them uniformly and
regularly.
INODOROUS PROCESS BY IMMERSION IN SOLUTIONS OF LIME, COLD OR
WARM, PARTICULARLY WELL ADAPTED FOR MATTRASSES, AIR CUSHIONS,
AND THE LIKE, BEFORE OR AFTER BEING MADE UI.
To 80 quarts of whitewash or lime white I add 60 or 80 quarts of
water, and allow the whole to settle for about four hours, when I draw
off all but the thick sediment, and run it into a yessel of suitable size
and dimensions. I take about 20 quarts of this liquid from the
vessel, and boil in it (for about an hour) 1 lb. of pounded iris root,
to which I add oz. to 1 oz. of pounded ginger root; I then filter
the solution through a woollen filter, and return it to the vessel.
Instead of this iris and ginger solution, any of the solutions from No.
1, to No. 5, may be substituted, all being equally well adapted for
counteracting the odour of the lime solution. This odour is destroyed
by the amalgamation of the different solutions in the proportion of 16
to 24 quarts mixed with the entire bath. If only light textured white
grounded fabrics are to be disinfected the iris and ginger solution
would be preferable, which would not increase the tendency of the
lime to impart a black color by oxidation. When this mixture has
been well stirred with a wooden spatula the goods (of white color),
either in piece or made up, should be spread out therein, and turned
about frequently, in order to make the solution penetrate in an uniform

page_text: inanner, which is very essential. Care should be taken only to put in
one immersion at a time goods of the same color, especially when they
are quite white, or on a white ground, and they should be spread out with
the least number of folds possible,, so that when in the bath the action
of the solution may not mark one part of the fabric more than another
The goods should only be allowed to remain in the bath 15, 18, 20, or
24 hours at the utmost, even for stout fabrics. I do not here refer to
pure 'caoutchouc goods.. The goods under treatment are taken out
of the bath, carefully washed and gently brushed while being subjected
to the action of a current of cold water, after which they are placed in
a warm drying stove, and when removed from the same are stretched
on lines to dry in the open air, when all odour will have disappeared.
For coarse fabrics the strength of the solutions should be increased by
immersions of greater or less duration, so that the goods come out of
the bath flexible, impermeable, and exempt from disagreeable smell.
This lime solution may be also rendered more active by raising the
temperature to the bath up to boiling point, but this kind of boiling im-
mersion only suits very coarse black fabrics unglazed on both sides.
COMBINED VAPOUR AND PRESSURE PROCESS (PARTICULARLY APPLICABLE
FOR CAOUTCHOUC FABRICS NOT MADE UP INTO GARMENTS.)
The process consists, firstly, in the employment of a steam chamber;
lines are so arranged therein, and at such distances apart, as to leave
room for the passage of the operator who hangs up the goods. The
goods having been spread out in this chamber, fumigating vapours
are made to circulate therein, such vapours being of a sufliciently high
temperature to soften the fabrics, but not to such an extent as to injure
the waterproof properties of the caoutchouc fabrics.
The activity of the vapours depends on their composition of the
matters from which they emanate, and which I here proceed to detail.
To 24 quarts of verbena infusion (No. 1, cold bath process) I add
about 3 oz. of root of whorl-flowered bent-grass, which should be
infused in a cold state in the verbena solution. In the whole 1 oz. of
salt of nitre should be dissolved, and the whole must be filtered. I
then evaporate this solution by any suitable means, and introduce the

page_text: vapour into the steam chamber, when the fabrics suspended therein will
be disinfected in about two hours.
The solutions may be multiplied and varied by substituting others
for the agents or ingredients mentioned; for example, the root of whorl-
flowered bent-grass may be replaced by lb. of Florentine iris root
which is boiled for about an hour in the verbena solution. Salt of
nitre is introduced into this mixture, especially if the goods to be sub-
jected to this process are of a light colour. About oz. of alum
(in powder or lump) should be added, care being taken to dissolve it
completely in the mixtures which compose the evaporating solution.
Solutions of the same kind may be employed as those described under
Nos. 1, to 5, (in the cold bath process,) and adding respectively salt of
nitrc or alum, or else using instead of nitre and alum 1½ oz. of spirits
of wine to every 4 quarts of the solution.
These solutions do not impart any perceptible odour to the goods
submitted to them.
The stean or vapour from these solutions is applicable only to the
finer qualities of caoutchouc fabrics, such as silks, alpacas, light
woollens, and fabrics suitable for ladies wearing apparel, which
may have an agreeable perfume imparted to them by adding a small
quantity of essence of musk or honey water, or of essence or oil of
lavender, or of any aromatic essence, or odorous resinous substance.
When the goods are withdrawn from the steam chamber completely
impregnated with vapour they are to be placed in hot air drying
chambers, and there left until they have become almost dry. They are
then transferred to a firm table having a wooden top entirely covered
with a sheet of zinc, and well polished; the width of this table should
be regulated according to that of the goods under treatment. The
goods placed on the table in a state of moisture are subjected to the
action of a roller or flattening cylinder made of tin, about 40lbs. in
weight. This roller should be quite solid, and of the same width as
the table, and it should be provided at cach end with a turned box-
wood handle, in order to its being conveniently worked by two persons,
one on each side of the table, who roll it from one end to the other,
and exert an uniform degree of pressure on the goods, and thus restore

page_text: their gloss. Before subjecting the fabrics to the action of the roller
they should be covered completely with a piece of flannel. The pres-
sure may be repeated 2, 3, or 4, times on each length of fabric, and
may be applied in any other suitable manner. The flannel should be
changed or rung out from time to time when it has absorbed moisture
from the fabrics under treatment. After the goods have been reglazed
or have had their gloss restored under the roller they are hung on lines
in the fresh air, and folded as soon as dry, to be ready for use.
Solutions composed of the same bases as those described, but com-
bined with more active agents, may be employed for stout tartans and
Scotch plaids. Such agents as, for example, camomile flowers, prepared,
as before described, with elder flowers in sufficient proportion, would
destroy the strong smell of the hydrochloric acid or sulphurous acid
added in small proportions to the base of each solution. These disin-
fecting agents should be used with great care, on account of the injn-
rious effect they are liable to exercise on the colors of certain fabrics,
especially hydrochloric acid, the action of which, when strengthened
with about oz. of spirits of wine added to the solution with which
this acid is employed, assists greatly in dispelling the smell of the
caoutchouc. However, no particular precautions need be taken in
treating fabrics with plain black or white grounds, and air cushions,.
and also such fabrics of a yellow color as may have had this coloring
base in the dyeing process.
With respect to indorous mixtures, which should be composed, as
I before stated, of highly aromatic plants, so as to dispel the slightest
trace of the smells of the various acids used, they do not leave any
perceptible odour in the fabrics. I style this part of my Invention
"galvanization of caoutchouc fabrics," for such as have been sub-
jected to the process do not lose any of their qualities of impervious
ness and plastic firmness, whatever the temperature to which they may
be exposed in course of the various uses to which they may be
applied.
Such sulphuric acids as have coloring properties are suitable for
my process when applied to fabrics dyed in red, especially by madder,
a dyeing agent which resists the action of this acid. The lowest pro-
B 2

page_text: portions should be adopted, so as to avoid injury being done to the
goods. When other colors, except red, are under treatment, this
agent should be entirely dispensed with.
•
'
DISINFECTING PROCESS FOR PLAIN BROWN AND BLACK GOODS (ONLY).
In a wooden vat lined with zinc, and of suitable dimensions, pour
I
48 quarts of water, in which are infused 6 lbs. of dry chopped verbena
for 86 hours, but not longer. The infusion is then passed through a
flannel filter, and the residuum put aside, and subjected to a fresh
maceration. In 8 quarts of this infusion 1 lb. of green or dry elder
flowers is boiled-for an hour, and the residuum-left in the solution of
48 quarts, 2 lbs. of wood charcoal, and oz. hydrochloric acid, the
whole being mixed up with a wooden spatula. The goods to be
ticated are spread out in the solution as flatly as may be,. and are
turned about so that they may be well penetrated by the solution...
Only goods of the same quality, color, and stoutness can be treated.in
this bath. After leaving- them there 24 hours the fabrics should be
taken out, washed carefully in a tub, through which a stream of cold
water is made to pass, in order to remove the pellicles of the elder
flower and the black from the charcoal. They are then placed in the
drying stove adapted to the process referred to in this Specification as
No. 1. This mixture may be varied by using for its base an infusion
of camomile flowers (1 lb. to 48 quarts water), boiled with 1 lb. of
green or dry lavender flowers instead of elder. The residuum should
be left in the solution to induce a kind of fermentation, which renders
it more active; 2 lbs. of wood charcoal are added, and instead of acid
or liquid chlorine about oz. of camphor dissolved in the same
quantity of spirits of wine are then thrown in. The solution thus
composed is very active for such goods as leggings, black kerseymeres,
black cloths, silks, and closc-woven alpacas, caoutchouc straps, sponge
bags, &c. &c. Fabrics made of caoutchouc alone should remain in the
solution twice the time required for disinfecting thinner fabrics. When
removed from the vat containing 'the solution, the goods are to be
transferred into a vessel, through which passes a stream of fresh water,
in which the charcoal powder and the sticky portions of the camomile

page_text: are washed off them. These different mixtures are very, cheap and
simple in. their composition; and, owing to their aromatic and disinfect-
ing qualities, remain a long time without spoiling.. In. the last solution,
in which camphor is employed, if charcoal is dispensed with, the
solution may be used for colored fabrics, if not quite white, yet such as
are light colored. ...
";
:.
PROCESS ANALOGOUS TO LEATHER TANNING. J
In this process..I make use of. a wide.vat, made either of wood
or of zinc, or of wood, lined with lead (which, is preferable). In
this vat are poured the different residua of solutions Nos. 1, to 5,
mentioned in the first part of my description. But as it would be difli
cult to measure them they should be thrown into the vat with their
waters of maceration, and when their bulk reaches from about.3; inches
to 3 inches in height the rest of the space. which remains empty
may be used for the goods to be immersed. The operator takes
.10 lbs. of the bark of young branches of horse-chesnut tree,. birch,
oak, or peach tree (the two first being preferred), pounded, but
not reduced to powder; (when dry or green horse chesnuts can be
procured they contribute largely to the success of the process ;) oak
sawdust, and especially mahogany sawdust, is then added, together with
oz. of liquid chlorine, or half that quantity of hydrochloric acid, or
of chloride, of zinc. I find liquid chlorine preferable with the addition
of about oz. of liquid ammonia. Before placing the goods in the vat,
the mixture should be well stirred with a wooden spatula, and left to
subside for 4 or 5 hours, a sufficient time for fermentation to take
place. The fabrics are placed in the vat, spread out flat, arranged in
layers as is done with skins, and they are turned as much as may
be necessary for effecting the penetration of the solution, which,
although somewhat thick, yet contains a sufficient amount of liquid to
soak in. The fabrics thus placed remain in the, vat for 24 hours, and
even 30 hours, according to their nature. After they have been with-
drawn from the disinfecting bath they are carefully washed in a vat
through which a stream of water flows. They should neither be wrung
nor rubbed by hand, but if some of the residuary matters adhere too

page_text: closely a firm but soft brush may be used, when necessary, and the rest
done by rinsing. The fabrics thus cleaned are placed in drying stoves,
whence they are withdrawn deprived of all unpleasant odour and
ready for usc. This process is economical, because it turns to account
the residua of the other processes.
This process is only applicable for fabrics completely black, fabrics
for trowser legs, and goods of that description, whether made up or
not. It should not be applied to fabrics of any color liable to be
injured by acids. Fabrics of different stoutness, qualities, &c., should
not be treated in the same bath and at the same time.
To the residua before described may be added the residua resulting
from the brewing of beer, which, when used in combination with other
residua, would not impart any unpleasant odour, as might be the case
if used alone.
And having now described the nature of my said Invention, and in
what manner the same is to be performed, I declare that,-
I claim the treating of caoutchouc, and goods composed wholly or
partly of caoutchouc, in the manner and for the purposes herein-before
described.
In witness whereof, I, the said Eugene de Varroc, have hereunto
set my hand and seal, this Twenty-fifth day of February,
One thousand eight hundred and fifty-four.