Third. To remove the shiny appearance of single texture garments, &c., Mr. Burke coats them with the antimonized caoutchouc, dissolved in some suitable menstrum, and mixed with ground silk or cotton, which is stated to have the effect of giving the article the appearance of cloth.
Fourth. Gutta percha soles and heels are proposed to be defended at the edges, where they are exposed to great wear and tear, with metal tips, shields, and guards.
CLAIMS.
First. The treating caoutchouc, gutta-percha, or their compounds, with the antimony compound.
Second. The mode of manufacturing driving bands.
Third. Coating water proof articles with antimonized caoutchouc, mixed with ground silk, cotton, or wool.
Fourth. The manufacture of gutta-percha soles and heels with metal tips, shields, and guards.
DESCRIPTION OF HANCOCK AND CO.’S PATENT GUTTA-PERCHA HEEL TIPS.
From the London Mechanics’ Magazine, Vol. LI.
Sir:—We are reminded weekly by the advertisement in your Number, that gutta-percha “must be regarded as one of the blessings of a gracious Providence.” Doubtless this, as well as every other natural production, should be so regarded, although in the state in which it is left by Providence it would be of little use were it not for the additional blessings of ingenious-minded men, (as the Hancocks and others) by whose skill the crude gifts of Providence are manipulated and presented to our acceptance in a thousand beautiful and highly useful forms.