Pawtucket Gazette And Chronicle

DEFERRED ARTICLES

Artificial Leather. Art, guided by science, has achieved another triumph. At Abington, Mass., there is an establishment for manufacturing artificial leather; "A steam engine of six or eight horse power is erected for grinding up the chips and shavings of leather which are cut off by the boot and shoe makers, and which have heretofore been burnt or thrown away. These are ground to a powder resembling coarse snuff, and this powder is then mixed with certain gums and other substances, so thoroughly that the whole mass becomes a kind of melted leather. In a short time this dries a little, and is rolled out to the desired thickness—perhaps one-twenty-fourth of an inch. It is now quite solid, and is said to be entirely water-proof. On putting the question whether it was strong, the manufacturer cut several strips a foot long and half an inch wide, which our informant endeavored in vain to break. This new fashioned leather will make good middle soles for shoes, and perhaps inner soles; and would be very durable round the shafts of a carriage, or in any place where mere chafing is all the wear desired. It is supposed it would wear well as bands for some kinds of machinery, and will doubtless be used for many other purposes. A patent has been secured, and the article will soon be in the market and in use.—Portsmouth (N. H.) Journal.