CHAPTER X.
Asbestus, Salt, Coal, Iron, Copper, Brass, Zinc, and Lapis Calaminaris.
What is the name of the remarkable stone of which a cloth has been made, that resists the action of fire?
The Asbestus, a mineral substance of a whitish or silver color. There are several species of this mineral, which are distinguished by different names, according to the appearance of each, as fibrous asbestus, hard asbestus, and woody asbestus; it is the fibrous sort which is most noted for its uses in the arts. It is usually found inclosed within very hard stones; sometimes growing on their outside, and sometimes detached from them.
Fibrous, full of fibres or threads.
What are its qualities?
It is insipid; will not dissolve in water; and exposed to the fire, it neither consumes nor calcines. The industry of mankind has found a method of working upon this untoward mineral and employing it in making cloth and paper; the process is, however, difficult.
Insipid, without taste.