ABSTRACT
The industrial application of Indian-rubber is entirely modern. The substance itself appears, however, to have been known to the natives of Peru from time immemorial, and to have been used for the preparation of some kind of garments. A modification of caoutchouc, possessing very valuable qualities for many purposes, was discovered by Mr. Charles Goodyear, and largely applied by him in the United States to the fabrication of waterproof boots. The list of applications of vulcanized Indian-rubber would be a very long one; but as a great number of these applications must be known to everybody, it will be unnecessary to specify them. is a very tough substance, but is without the elasticity of Indian-rubber. It differs from the latter, too, in becoming softened by a gentle heat, and it will then readily take and retain any impressions with great sharpness and fidelity. Thus beautiful mouldings and other ornamental objects are easily made.
