er. Like the latter, it
consisted of two substances, one of which was more soluble in benzine
or in carbon bisulphide than the other. A solution of the artificial
rubber in benzine left on evaporation a residue which agreed in all
characteristics with the residuum of the best Para rubber similarly
dissolved and evaporated.

The artificial rubber was found to unite with natural rubber in the
same way as two pieces of ordinary pure rubber, forming a tough,
elastic compound.

Although the discovery is very interesting from a chemical point of
view, it has not as yet any commercial importance. It is from such
beginnings as these, however, that cheap chemical substitutes for many
natural products have been developed. Few persons outside of those
directly connected with rubber industries realize the vast quantities
imported yearly into this country. Last year there were brought into
United States ports, as shown by the reports of the customs officers,
no less than 34,348,000 pounds of India rubber. The industry has been
steadily progressive since the invention of machinery for
manufacturing it into the various articles of everyday use. The
wonderful growth of the India rubber interests in this country will be
seen from the statistics compiled in the tenth census.

In 1870 there were imported 5,132,000 pounds at an average rate of $1
per pound; in 1880 the imports were 17,835,000 pounds, at an average
price of 85 cents per pound; in 1890 31,949,000 pounds were imported,
at an average price of 75 cents per pound. The present price of India
rubber varies from 75 cents per pound for fine Para rubber to 45 cents
per pound for the cheapest grade.

It will be seen that, notwithstanding the increase in importations,
the price of the raw material remains at a comparatively high figure.
Many experiments have been made to find a substance possessing the
same properties as India rubber, but which could be produced at a
cheaper rate.

Many of the compositions which have been invented have been well
adapted for use for certain purposes and have been used to adulterate
the pure rubber, but no substance has been produced which could even
approach India rubber in several of its important characteristics.
There has never been a substance yet recommended as a substitute for
rubber which possessed the extraordinary elasticity which makes it
indispensable in the manufacture of so many articles of common use.

Great hopes were at one time