Science. Incombustible Paper.

Waikato Times, Volume XXIII, Issue 1887, 9 August 1884, Page 2 (Supplement)

Science. Incombustible Paper.

At a recent meeting of tha French Society d'Enoouragement pour l'lndustrie Natienale, M. G. Meyer, of Paris, submitted specimens of paper specially manufactured to resist fire. II was stated by him that the papers and documents shown had been for four hoars in a retort in a pottery furnace, and it is further affirmed that those present were unable to distinguish, either by appearance or texture, the papers so treated from others which had not undergone the ordeal of fire. From experiments made with a specimen of wall-paper sent to us, we are enabled to say that, although the appearance of the paper does change, the fire-resisting properties claimed for it are undoubted ; the paper certainly does not ignite. The paper, we are informed, can be made of a quality suitable for deeds and other important documents, or of a quality suitable for wall-paper, theatrical deoorations, or, in faot, for any purpose for whioh paper is used. M. Meyer has also invented an incombustible ink and inoombustible colors. Artists using those colors may preserve their works to a certain extent. But the invention would appear to be of the greatest value to theatrical managers. By using thiok cardboard of M. Meyer's material, together with his paints, they are able to render their ooenery uninflammable. At the same time, for doouments of importance, deeds, wills and agreements, the invention should come into universal use.

Wolqemuth, the conductor of the Austrian polar expedition, has told some of the results of his work at a late meeting of the Vienna Geographical Society. He observed 124 auroras, about ten of which were crownshaped. Among the old lava streams and in the crevices of the old and numerous craters of the Island of Jan Mayen ha discovered traces of a still progressing voloanio aotivity, and three times observed well-marked subterranean shocks. A bmall piece of resin dipped in the water which is placed in a vessel on a stove, says one who knows, will add a peculiar property to the atmosphere of the room, which will give great relief to persons troubled with a oough. The heat of the water i 3 sufficient to throw off the aroma of the resin, and gives the same relief that is afforded by a combustion of the resin. It is preferable to combustion, because the evaporation is more durable, The same resin may be used for weeks.