IMPROVEMENTS IN THE MANUFACTURE OF SOLUBLE SILICATES, APPLICABLE TO THE PRODUCTION OF MANURES
Year: 1880

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to Joseph Duke, of the Plains, Totnes, in the County of
Devon, Gentleman, for an Invention of "IMPROVEMENTS IN THE MANUFACTURE
OF SOLUBLE SILICATES, APPLICABLE TO THE PRODUCTION OF MANURES."
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said Joseph Duke at the Office
of the Commissioners of Patents on the 20th July 1880.
JOSEPH DUKE, of the Plains, Totnes, in the County of Devon, Gentleman.
"IMPROVEMENTS IN THE MANUFACTURE OF SOLUBLE SILICATES, APPLICABLE TO
THE PRODUCTION OF MANURES."
This Invention relates to a novel mode of obtaining soluble silicates suitable for
employment in the manufacture of manures, which shall contain all the essential
bases and elements necessary for the growth and support of plants.
In carrying out this Invention I take Portland or Roman cement, or any suitable
natural silicates, and treat the same with the ordinary hydrochloric acid, of
commerce in excess, whereby it is converted into a gelatinous mass, which consists
of the silicates of alumina and lime in admixture.
In order to obtain the silicates of potash, magnesia, and soda, I take the mineral
known as kainite (in a powdered form), and treat it in a similar manner to the
cements or natural silicates above referred to, but in lieu of hydrochloric acid,
sulphuric acid may be employed if preferred.
The soluble silicates thus obtained in a gelatinous condition I mix together and
use in the manufacture of manure, by combining therewith, first, superphosphate of
lime or other phosphates, and then peat charcoal or dried peat in powder in about
the following proportions:-
1/3 by weight of silicates, 1/2 phosphates, and 1/, charcoal or dried peat.
The effect of the powdered vegetable charcoal is to absorb the superfluous
moisture in the composition, and thereby to render the mixture suitable for
handling and distribution. In order to perfect the manure thus obtained I add
not less than 5 per cent. of the sulphate of ammonia, or nitrates of potash and
soda, or other solid nitrogenous matters either separately or combined. These
materials when thoroughly mixed will constitute a manure suitable for any sort
of crop by reason of its containing all the elements necessary to support the
growth of vegetation.

page_text: SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent filed
by the said Joseph Duke in the Great Seal. Patent Office on the 19th
January 1881.
"
JOSEPH DUKE, of the Plains; Totnes, in the County of Devon, Gentleman.
'IMPROVEMENTS IN THE MANUFACTURE OF SOLUBLE SILICATES, APPLICABLE TO
THE PRODUCTION OF MANURES."
This Invention relates to a novel mode of obtaining soluble silicates suitable for
.employment in the manufacture of manures, which shall contain all the essential
bases and elements necessary for the growth and support of plants, as explained in
the Specification of my Patent, dated February Twentieth, One thousand eight
hundred and eighty, No. 748.
In carrying out this Invention I take, first, Portland or Roman cement, or any
suitable natural silicate, and having reduced it to a powdered state treat the same
with the ordinary hydrochloric acid of commerce in excess, whereby it is converted
into a gelatinous mass, which consists of the silicates of alumina and lime in
admixture.
Secondly. In order to obtain the silicates of potash, magnesia, and soda, I take
the mineral known as "kainite," or other substance containing potash, magnesia,
and soda, and having reduced it to powder treat it in a similar manner to the
cements or natural silicates above referred to, but in lieu of hydrochloric acid;
sulphuric acid of commerce may be employed if preferred.
The soluble silicates obtained as above explained in a gelatinous condition I mix
together in about equal proportions, and use in the manufacture of manure by
combining therewith, first, superphosphate of lime or other phosphates, and then
peat charcoal or dried peat in powder, or other powdered vegetable substance in
about the following proportions:-One-third by weight of silicates, one-third
phosphates, and one-third charcoal or dried peat. The effect of the powdered
vegetable charcoal is to absorb the superfluous moisture in the composition, and
thereby render the mixture suitable for handling and distribution.
The proportions here given will vary according to the crops for which the
manure is intended, and for crops, for example, which need more silica a larger
proportion of the soluble silicates obtained as above explained will be required.
In order to perfect the manure thus obtained I add not less than five per cent. of
the sulphate of ammonia, or nitrates of potash and soda, or other solid nitrogenous
matters either separately or combined. These materials when thoroughly mixed
will constitute a manure suitable for any sort of crop by reason of its containing
all the elements necessary to support the growth of vegetation.
If desired the combination of nitrogenous matters with the mixture of silicates,
phosphates, and vegetable matter, whether carbonized or not, may be effected by
means of the process described in the Specification of the Patent of One thousand
eight hundred and eighty above referred to, that is, by treating the said mixture
of silicates, phosphates, and vegetable matter with gas-liquor, urine, sewage, or
other liquids rich in nitrogenous, ammoniacal, or fertilizing ingredients.
Having now set forth the nature of my Invention of "Improvements in the
Manufacture of Soluble Silicates, Applicable to the Production of Manures," and
explained the manner of carrying the same into effect, I wish it to be understood
that under the above in part recited Letters Patent I claim, the manufacture

page_text: of soluble silicates of alumina, lime, potash, magnesia, and soda, in the manner and
for the purpose above set forth.
In witness whereof, I, the said Joseph Duke, have hereunto set my hand
and seal, the Thirteenth day of January, in the year of our Lord One
thousand eight hundred and eighty one.
JOSEPH DUKE. (LS)