CHAPTER V.

ADULTERATION OF INDIA-RUBBER—(Caoutchouc.)

Every article of commerce that is susceptible of adulteration is sure to fall into the hands of those who seem to be peculiarly educated to the work of diluting, and reducing by various chemical processes the real value of the article to be counterfeited. No matter how cheap the pure substance can be obtained, some method must be conjured up by which the innocent purchaser or consumer is unconsciously duped. India-rubber and gutta-percha are among the vegetable gums, which have been _most extensively_ adulterated. It long since became a matter of scientific research in England, to ascertain how great a per cent. India-rubber could be reduced, by the admixture of worthless compounds, and the same skill has been thus perverted in our own country.

In Prussia, a law was passed in 1856, making the adulteration of chemicals and articles of consumption by which life shall be endangered, an offence punishable with death. The simple adulteration of food or drink with any deleterious substance, is punishable with fifteen years’ hard labor; and any other adulteration is regarded as cheating (betrug), and is punished accordingly. However severe or stringent these laws may seem to a republican mind, they are nevertheless just. What is the sale of an adulterated article, but the obtaining of money under false pretences, and why should not every rude infraction of the law of right, be visited by some adequate penalty?

A series of letters were published in 1856, in England, under the above caption, which shows very clearly the extent to which the practice of adulteration had then been carried. We herewith give the most important statement contained in those letters. The letters referred to were written by William H. Herbert, Esq., and addressed to the Editor of the London Mechanics’ Magazine.

He commenced the series by remarking that as adulteration by cheap compounds mixed with caoutchouc or India-rubber, are extensively used by engineers, he desires to submit a brief account of the processes, etc., by which they are mixed. Java and Para rubber will float upon water, and all manufactured goods _free of foreign matter_, are of the same density; and just in proportion as manufactured articles, such as valves, rail buffers, carriage and engine springs, washers, hose, &c., _sink in water_, so in exact ratio, are they adulterated with some cheap pigment, of which the following are a few, and usually in extent from 30 to 100 per cent. Say then, chalk, Paris white, Cornwall or porcelain clay, barytes, oxide zinc, white and red lead, ivory black, lampblack, black lead, Spanish brown, &c., &c. Interested manufacturers will tell you they improve the article, bear greater pressure, &c.; but as a rule this is a _mere trade subterfuge_, the truth being, it enables manufacturers to obtain extortionate profits, which, when I submit the _exact formulas_, will be _very clearly seen_.

Engineers do not seem sufficiently alive to this question of density. Of course in colored articles, it is necessary to use _some_ pigment, but it is the _monstrous excess_ that I wish to expose, and applies more particularly to the American inodorous system. I think it only fair to Messrs. Mackintosh & Co., to admit, that most of their goods I have examined float on water; but I know nothing, and have no interest whatever in their establishment, but simply state the fact, because I have found they form the exception to this adulterating or mixing system.

What I wish more especially to impress upon the minds of engineers, is the ready mode they have of discovering or ascertaining whose make is best and cheapest, and it is more likely an India-rubber valve of same dimensions at 2_s._ 6_d._ per lb., will _cost more money_ than one at 4_s._ 6_d._ per lb., arising solely from the extravagant mixture of these cheap pigments, and its great density over the latter. Java India-rubber, which is mostly used, is at this moment about 7_d._ per lb., and best Para sheet about 1_s._ 11_d._ * * If they are fair goods for usual work, then I trust the information I supply may enable contractors to obtain their wants by competition, furnishing their own form. This will realize a great saving to them; but they must not be induced to accept goods of greater density under the plea of being better. The Java gum used in these adulterated articles is ground without undergoing the process of cleansing, but in all articles of light density, the cleaning machine frees it from all gritty matter, and it is usually employed in this cleansed state for such, as well as all gray or white goods.

Messrs. Mackintosh & Co., claim in their patent for vulcanizing all the preparations of sulphur, and without it, so far as I know and believe, no substitute has yet, or is likely to be discovered at a price which can render it commercially available. Indeed, I doubt whether any other than sulphurous bodies will vulcanize, or render fit for the use of the engineers the gum called India-rubber. Hence, the reason why many of the manufacturers are licensed under that firm, and subject to have their goods so stamped. The American inodorous makers attempted to shield themselves, (but on legally trying the point) in vain. The screen against Mr. Mackintosh’s patent was called, as a blind, “hypo.” It is prepared in several ways, but is a compound of sulphur and lead, and when perfect and the lime well washed away, is a very excellent black, costing about 30_s._ per cwt.; but its whole efficacy rests with the sulphur, and without it would not vulcanize, (though lead works kindly with caoutchouc). This chemical contains about 20 per cent., of sulphur, consequently, five pounds is about equal to twenty-five ounces of sulphur. This extra cost was readily submitted to, rather than to knuckle under to Messrs. Mackintosh’s patent. In many cases it was only said to be used, and what really was used, was white lead or lampblack, oxide of zinc, all in connection with sulphur, according as the color of the goods required, rendered necessary. It was pretended also, by these inodorous manufacturers, that white goods, such as the elastic beds, advertised as “Improved Hydrostatic Beds,” and “Hospital Sheeting,” were vulcanized with sulphuret of zinc, prepared chemically; when, in fact, it is well known that the cost of manufacture is quite prohibitory, and is only of value in proportion to its richness in sulphur. What was in reality used, was, and is, the “yellow sulphur,” and the “pure precipitate of that article.” I mention these things to clear the mystification it may be to the interest of manufacturers to keep up, and as I only write from experience, I have reason to believe your readers, who are interested, will better understand the nature and value of unmixed and mixed caoutchouc, after my fund on this topic is exhausted. With these remarks I will give the recipe for common black packing at 2_s._ 2_d._ per lb., in quantity, discount as agreed.

The chemical termed “hypo” is manufactured thus: The sugar of lead is made into a solution with water in a separate vessel. The sulphur and lime are then boiled in water, so as to make a solution of sulphur with the lime. The latter solution (clear) is then poured into the former, which unites with the sulphur, and the precipitate is the “hypo.” The hypo is then washed and dried. The lime merely enables the lead to take up the sulphur.

£ s. d. Grind 15 lbs. Java Caoutchouc at 7d. 0 8 9 Grind 15 lbs. Para Caoutchouc at 2s. 1 10 0 Grind 15 lbs. Oxide of Zinc at 3d. 0 4 0 Grind 16 lbs. China or Cornwall clay 0 0 3 —— Total, 16 lbs. 28 oz. Yellow Sulphur 0 0 3 Mill-costs at 3d. per lb., on 73 lbs. 0 18 3 —— —— —— Total, 3 5 3 Costs therefore, 10½d. per lb.

_The above is 110 or 112 per cent. of adulteration._

I should here remark, there is also a kind of packing in use, which perhaps is practically best known as “Rag Packing,” made principally from the useless cuttings in the manufacture of India-rubber coats, where the gum is run or spread on calico foundations, which is usually the case with water-proof garments offered for sale at the shops. It is made as follows:

Rag packing for valves, bearing springs, or in sheets of any thickness, where less elasticity is required, and great pressure.

£ s. d. Grind 35 lbs. Useless scraps, say 0 3 0 Grind 18 lbs. Black Lead, at 2¼d. 0 3 4½ Grind 16 lbs. Java Gum, at 7d. 0 9 4 Grind 1 lbs. Yellow Sulphur, 0 0 1½ —— —— —— —— Total, 70 lbs. Mill-costs at 4d. per lb. on 70 lbs. 1 3 4 —— —— —— Total, 1 19 2

This is sold at 2_s._ per lb. in very large quantities, or 1_s._ 6_d._, if a shrewd man, net, or a small discount for cash.

Our gardens, fire engines, brewers, and pump-makers (for suction, &c.,) have found the value of this gum, and the following is the form used with success, and perhaps the adulterations are the best substitutes for pure caoutchouc that the cheap compound market offers.

£ s. d. Grind 20 lbs. Java, at 7d. 0 11 8 Grind 10 lbs. Para, at 2s. 1 0 0 Grind 14 lbs. White Lead, at 3d.} 0 7 0 Grind 14 lbs. Red Lead, at 3d.} Grind 1½ lbs. Yellow Sulphur, 0 0 3 —— Total, 59 lbs. at 3d. per lb., Mill-costs, 0 14 9 —— —— —— Total, 2 13 8 Consequently costs 10½d. per lb.

This is spread upon flax cloth, (Messrs. Richards & Co., Broad Street, are manufacturers,) which weighs 10, 16, and 32 ounces to the square yard, and is about the same cost as the compound, so that the _weight_ is the _truest criterion of cost_, and is so calculated by the manufactory. * * * *

Excepting garments every other description of black goods are made from such forms as I have figured, with very little variation according to the requirements of the engineer, and which needs very little judgment or experience to meet. To those who cling to these heavy goods, the formulas I have rendered will enable them to have supplies at a fair competing charge according to quality, and it is their _own fault entirely_ if they persist in _purchasing 100 per cent. of cheap powder_ at the _same_ charge as for “pure caoutchouc” of a third of their density.

Your readers must be good enough not to lose the fact of “specific gravity,” and test all the above goods made with pure, unadulterated India-rubber, by their floating on water. Any deviation from this is a proof of some cheap stuff unfairly introduced. It will be just in proportion as they keep themselves well posted up in this matter, that manufacturers will be sly of throwing into their caoutchouc such mad and infamous proportions of cheap adulterations, and drive them (_for they will not volunteer_) to the necessity of manufacturing from the pure gum, and thus place better disposed traders upon a more just footing, and enable the latter to compete (if need be) upon their own terms, or upon recipes supplied by the engineer. Another fact must not be lost sight of, and that is the use of “_light carbonate of magnesia_,” which, mixed with the gum, does not increase its density, as will in some measure be illustrated by the recipe I shall now figure out, merely remarking that a somewhat heavy carbonate was used, as well as in an unroasted, and hence the somewhat increased density. This article is worth the attention of buyers of rubber goods, as in a moderate quantity it reduces the costs without correspondingly injuring the manufacturer. (_Light buffer spring just sinks in water._)

Grind together 25 lbs. Clear Java Rubber, 5 lbs. Para Rubber, 10 lbs. Common Magnesia, 25 oz. Pure Sulphur. Costs 19 cts. per pound—Sells for 60 cts. per pound.

This is brown at first, but in a few days the sulphur blows over the surface grey or white, and would lead an amateur to judge they were of that color throughout. Buffer springs and other moulded goods from this compound are a little heavier than Messrs. Mackintosh and Co.’s. A density railway spring, at 4_s._ per lb. gross, and were made at first to meet it, also sold at 2_s._ 6_d._ per lb. net. It is a most useful spring, and in competition should be bought at 1_s._ 3_d._ to 1_s._ 6_d._ per lb. net, but I should strongly recommend that engineers try a substitute of all “Java gum,” by obtaining a few _away from their usual manufacturer_, ON TRIAL, as I believe their quality as a spring would not be injured, and the price would be reduced, and, moreover, it would guard against the manufacturer being left tempted to do so, without reducing the charge.

For the guidance of engineers, I remark, that a spring of this quality and dimensions, 4½ × 2½ × 1, pressed to half an inch, showed 3½ tons on the dial, and one with equal quantities of oxide of zinc and magnesia, of same size, &c., indicated 1½ tons on equal pressure, while the quality of Mackintosh and Co.’s, referred to before, and of which this was an intimation, marked 1¾ tons on the dial; of course, a spring with a smaller bore than 2½ inches would show greater tonnage.

The next recipe is for grey packing, which is largely and exclusively used by some dealers for marine engines, &c., as well as in sheet; and if the price (3_s._ 6_d._ per lb.) was not _excessive_ for so much adulterated matter, I would pass it over in silence as a very fair and useful article, and if approved, my form will enable the engineer to obtain it much cheaper by competition.

Say then,

Grind together 25 lbs. Para Rubber, 5 lbs. Cleaned Java, 16 lbs. Oxide of Zinc, 6 lbs. Carbonate of Magnesia, 3 lbs. Porcelain or Cornwall Clay, 2 lbs. Red Lead, 30 oz. Pure Sulphur.

So that it costs 25 cts. per lb., and hence I submit that 75 cts. per lb. is _excessive_, with discount from 10 to 20 per cent. Unless the magnesia in this packing is well calcined it will cut porous, but does not show its valves cut to shape before vulcanizing. It may seem I lay too much stress upon high prices, and if the goods were bought in trifling quantities, it would carry argument; but as the orders are usually large, and show good monied invoices, there is a wide margin for reduction; besides in many cases these long prices prohibit the use of caoutchouc. _The prices are about right if the goods were of pure India-rubber_.

* * * * *

I ought to remark that in all formulas which I use, _Para rubber is used_, which is now nearly _four times the cost of Java_, and is frequently more. This circumstance has for some time been attracting the attention of manufacturers, and bids fair to shut out almost the use of the former in all goods confined in moulds to vulcanize. I would call the especial attention of engineers to this fact, as Java materially reduces the cost, and needs very little judgment on their part to adopt it in these forms, in place of the expensive kind. I do not say it is so strong a gum as Para, but I feel certain that the manufacturers will be awake, and use it, without perhaps yielding the advantage out of their own factories, and therefore it is necessary for consumers to try how far they can “assist themselves” without their benevolence, especially as “Java gum” is now so readily and cheaply cleansed of all dirt or gritty matter. These remarks apply to the recipe I now hand, which is termed—best pure spring, or washers, &c.

Grind together 30 lbs. Para Gum, 5 lbs. Oxide Zinc, 2 lbs. Carbonate Magnesia, 3 lbs. Common Chalk, 2 lbs. Porcelain or Cornwall Clay, 30 oz. Pure Sulphur.

This costs about 33 cts. per lb. and is sold at $1 per lb., and though heavier, is intended to meet Messrs. Mackintosh and Co’s. article at $1 12½. The difference in density renders the latter the cheapest to the consumer, while the reduced price of the former catches the unsuspecting trader in these goods, and frequently obtains his preference.

The companion quality to the above for large valves, and packing sheets, is made as follows, and is styled—best pure packing.

Grind together 30 lbs. Para Rubber, 5 lbs. Oxide Zinc, 5 lbs. Porcelain or Cornwall Clay, 28 oz. of Pure Sulphur.

This costs about 31 cts. per lb. and is sold at $1 per lb., and is a trifle heavier than the pure spring quality.

It will be perceived that sometimes pure sulphur is used, and sometimes the common flour of sulphur; the former is thought to render the goods more soft and velvety, but the difference in their relative cost is very wide, and the writer will not undertake to say how far the marketable value of the goods is improved, but thinks it will be admitted that their intrinsic value to engineers is not altered in any way.

I may here observe, that carbonates work best in all moulded goods, but not otherwise, and it is necessary they should be retained therein until quite cold, or they swell out of shape; but in packing, &c., vulcanized openly, oxides should be selected, as there is little or no chemical action with sulphur or heat. I have made no mention in these papers of very finely pulverized talc, or French chalk, which, from its cheapness, if well bought, and its being unaffected by heat, and its slippery nature, is invaluable as a top dressing, well rubbed in, upon the surface of all white goods for open vulcanizing, as well as dusting the sheet zinc upon which they are laid. It is equally valuable in all goods cured in rolls, such as medical sheeting, &c., and renders entirely unnecessary the rays of the sun afterwards, needing only to be wiped off with a dry cloth after vulcanizing.

* * * * *

There are many most respectable manufacturers, and these should have their sense of honorable integrity acknowledged, and, as far as possible, be protected from their inferiors in morality. In writing these papers off hastily, one is really tempted to get into a violent rage with this vicious system; especially when one calls to mind that, no sooner does an ingenious man invent something really valuable and useful, but these kidnapping and adulterating traders counterfeit the same instantly, and render their make to all appearance (and to the unsuspecting) equally good, though, in reality, not so, being merely cheapened by this adulterating and tricky system. Added to which, if the originator is not very sharp in obtaining his protection for the really valuable service he has rendered to science, and to the sale of which he is looking very naturally and justly, as a remuneration of what may have probably cost the inventor many days and nights of weariness, and possibly involved the spending of his money capital, and perhaps, even besides, months of labor, disappointment, poverty, and sorrow, I say, if he is not very quick in his protection, the unblushing effrontery and impudence of these “second hand people” will rob him of the whole. I believe no pen can sufficiently protest against those individuals who thrive “and make haste to become rich” from the oozings of other men’s brains. Theirs is the basest class of felony our laws cannot reach, and, consequently, their infamous and nefarious habit continues unheeded and untouched, and often (because unknown) unscorned. This applies to caoutchouc. Special reference to particular manufactures must be discussed another day; but, if I am rightly informed, Mr. C. Goodyear especially, and others, to some extent, have suffered from these copyists very egregiously and seriously. Though my testimony would be confirmed by our best men in every branch of trade, where there is scope for genius. I must not digress, and trust you will excuse my hasty protest against this _counterfeit coin_.

I will therefore, at once, hand you the formula for

COMMON WHITE BUFFER-RINGS, WASHERS, ETC.

Grind 30 lbs. Java caoutchouc, Grind 18 lbs. Oxide of zinc, Grind 6 lbs. Carbonate of magnesia, Grind 6 lbs. Clean chalk or whiting, Grind 2 lbs. Flour of sulphur.

This costs about 13 cents per lb., and is sold at 50 cents per lb., and, as you will perceive, contains about 110 per cent. of adulterating matter. Considering the mass of foreign substances in the above formula, (and yet sold under the name of “caoutchouc,” which _should be pure Java gum_, of less than half the density, for a great deal less than 50 cents gross price), one is almost astonished that the “gum-elastic” should retain any of its original liveliness, mixed up with so much dead weight; but so it is, as I shall show, by stating that a buffer-ring (4½ × 2½ × 1 ins.) of this quality exactly, and of the same size as those of which I gave the tonnage in your Magazine of the 24th of October, indicated, on the same being pressed to half an inch, 4½ tons on the dial. Of course the weight of the ring was fully double those then remarked upon, arising from increased density by adulteration. Pursuing the same subject of density, I have observed that these manufacturers have been compelled to charge _less than the actual weight_ of their goods, as the people at Berlin would not pay caoutchouc price for so much rubbish. This in the “good old red-lead time,” when the manufacturers, with more faith than judgment, considered they could not include too much of that metal, but they have since become more crafty and subtle, and use it less madly. I weighed a cylinder or spring some few months since, of which a like quantity are now in use by the London and North-western Railway, and, I expect, at their station at Wolverton, which contained at least, 100 to 130 per cent. of cheap, heavy adulteration; and yet they paid 1s. 6d. per lb. in quantity nett. The size was 6½ × 2½ × 4, and weighed close upon 6 lbs. I should say, if the charge had been 9d. per pound, no manufacturer could need a better trade, hence I have chosen to throw a little a “free trade light” upon the subject.

The washer trade is a very lucrative one to the manufacturers, being principally cut from the spare or waste ends unavoidable in the make of springs, cylinders, and buffer-rings.

I will now give you the formula for what is termed

HYPO-CLOTH FOR WATER-PROOF COATS, &C.

Grind 30 lbs. Clean Java gum, Grind 5 lbs. Lamp black, Grind 11 lbs. Dry chalk, or whiting, Grind 5 lbs. Sulphuret of lead.

Costing about 12½ cents per pound.

Sometimes the Para gum is used in this mixture; but, though better, its use is not considered imperative if the Java caoutchouc is well cleansed. A cured coat, well vulcanized, is a great improvement in all respects upon the filthy naptha or varnish coat, and should, when competition is thrown into the market, exceed it very little in charge. As long as the calico upon which these are run is covered, the thinner that covering the better; and by far the best I have seen are made by Messrs. Mackintosh and Co., Moulton & Co., Moses, Son & Davis. I have seen some very bad ones, ill-shaped, non-vulcanized, and altogether only useful _in bringing the better make into unjust dislike by the public_. The sooner these latter daubs are improved, or withdrawn from sale, the better for the reputation of the India-rubber garment dealers. The cloth upon which the material is spread weighs about four ounces by the yard, and therefore the quantity of gum on each article is readily assessed, and the scale will determine which are lightest and best for a storm.

The article termed “sulphuret of lead” in the formula, is the chemical I have before remarked upon, and the screen or blind, nick-named (_for reasons therein explained_) “hypo,” and is only useful in so far as _it is an excellent black pigment_, which is only of importance in the garment branch of the trade.

ADULTERATION OF INDIA-RUBBER, IN CONNECTION WITH THE MANUFACTURE OF INVALID WATER MATTRESSES AND CUSHIONS.

There is no necessity for the monstrous charges at present made for these goods, and hence I desire to open up the subject fearlessly. The amount of adulteration necessary to bring up the desired color, is from 4 to 10 per cent. of the pigment termed _oxide of zinc_; but the formula used for the manufacture of the water or air mattresses and cushions referred to, contains about _thirty-five per cent. of this cheap substitute for India-rubber_. In writing thereon I take leave to state at the outset, that, like the “air,” or Mackintosh cushions or pillows we have known for so many years, they can be had of any size or shape, and differ from them in being of pure caoutchouc, or elastic gum, (_minus the adulteration_) instead of only a _thin coating_ of pure gum, upon a cloth or non-elastic foundation. Hence their increased value to medical men in preventing bed sores, &c.

In my judgment, what is understood in these days by the word “humbug,” has gained such ascendancy over common sense, that honorable people, who disdain to practice it, are so out-distanced by the many who do, that they lose thereby several of the chances of trade. This “popular pet humbug” is, therefore, largely dealt in by puffing advertisers (even in these articles) who perpetually issue illustrated catalogues, &c., under the word “patent,” _where none exists_, “Improved Hydrostatic Water Mattresses,” “Inventor” and “sole manufacturer,” and a host of other fanciful and attractive names, through our Post Office, to the whole medical profession in the United Kingdom, as well as to the staff of medical men connected with all the Hospitals, Poor Law Union Infirmaries, East India and other companies, &c., and these mattresses are now in use at most of such establishments; and if the retail prices were not highly extortionate, and altogether beyond all reasonable limit, I would not throw the “sunshine” upon this valuable medical appliance. It just strikes my memory that there is a quiet notification in the interior of the envelopes of these circulars, that a discount of 12½ per cent. is allowed to the “profession,” (but which some refuse.) I may as well add, that these dealers, of course, have _no exclusive right_ to the above names, as they would lead the public to infer, _the manufacture being as free as the air we breathe_; and of “hydrostatics,” they understand about as much as they do about general “chemistry,” and I am quite sure that of the latter exquisite science they know only just as much as the letterer can actually embody and make inherent in the words he may be instructed to paint on the door posts or facia outside. It is a melancholy truth, that this lettering is now accepted as proof that the “professor” _inside_, is in fact, a “practical” or “operative chemist,” though he may live and keep shop at the west end of the metropolis, and exhibit a framed notification, that he is a member of the “Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain,” but without examination.

It is incredible, moreover, how these people, by their presumption, even seem to deceive medical practitioners, judging from the numerous “good names” they append to some of their valueless compounds of _exhausted roots_. In many cases beyond the capacity of informing an enquirer why, in “camphorated spirit” the addition of “water” precipitates free camphor, (to use a figure) they know no more of chemistry than the writer’s “foot;” and yet if one had not daily experience and proof that true science is modest and retiring, one would be liable to put these “professors” down as real living “Faradays,” “Herapaths,” “Redwoods,” and other equally illustrious chemists instead of quacks. Excuse the digression, but these characters who disgrace an intellectual science, will cross one’s mind in writing.

Returning to the water mattresses, I will show in figures, in the manufacturer’s price in 1850, and the manufacturer’s charge in May, 1856, (and it must be less at this moment,) and the uniform retail price, and to this latter I invite the special attention of your readers, and ask them carefully to note the _retailer’s profit_ on each, and decide the advantage to be derived from purchasing of the manufacturer. I have no personal interest in any of them. I will show also their usual sizes, and their weight, as they are all sold by the manufacturers, on this basis.

I trust this may stir up increased demand for so useful and necessary an article for the alleviation of human suffering, the use of which the _immense retail profits have hitherto prohibited_ among the middle and humbler classes.

The formula for water mattresses and cushions—(India-rubber) is:—

s. d. 1 lb. Fara Gum (in sheet,) 2 0 (Present cost, 1s. 7d., per lb.) 6 oz. Oxide Zinc, 0 1½ 1 oz. Pure Sulphur, (common equally good,) 0 1½ Mill costs, 3 —— —— 2 5 Or 1s. 7d. per lb. Say of the above compound, 1 0 Making waste, 0 ⅓ Grinding, running, cleaning and vulcanizing, 0 6 Add 36⅓ mill profit, or 0 10 is 3 2 per lb.

This is the price per pound the weight should be estimated at. The mattresses vary in size from 8 + 14 inches to 48 + 72—some with cells—some without cells. The _retail profits_ on these goods, over the manufacturer’s prices, in 1856, ranged from 13s. 6d. to £7, 6s.—according to the size of the mattress. Or in American currency, from about $3.00 to $36.00 profit on single mattresses.

Should so serviceable an article be thus clogged and fettered by such immoderate charges by the retail shop-keepers? It may probably be a guide to some of our readers to state, the best size pillow is 17 + 22, and that the celled mattresses 27 + 30, and 30 + 40, are found most useful, and of adequate length to support the trunk of invalids, and admit the other portion of the body to rest upon the usual feather bed, and thus steady a weak patient; as a full length mattress of elastic gum, 33 + 72 is beyond the safe control of such invalids.

The retailer, for obvious reasons, recommends the larger mattresses, and which are _not_ returnable, _even if the patient dies before they reach him_.