Another mixture for the same purpose, which is much used by fishermen, is applied in the same way. It consists of a pound of bees-wax, a half pound of rosin, and the same quantity of beef-suet.—_Morfit._ BOOK IV. CHAPTER I. GUTTA-PERCHA PATENTS. Gutta-Percha is destined to exert a very important influence in commerce and manufactures. Since its discovery it has made rapid strides as a useful and important agent in the arts. Its uses may be said to be innumerable, and although it was discovered but a few years since, it has completely superseded other substances, which were before regarded as indispensable. Our object is to give to manufacturers and all interested in the use, history, or application of this gum, as much insight as possible into the patents which have been issued in relation to it, both in England, France, and the United States. We have very carefully examined all the English works which treat upon the subject, and shall give a faithful history of all that has been written upon it which is of _practical_ importance to the shoe manufacturer. A better knowledge of its properties and uses cannot, we think, be obtained than is set forth in the various patents and communications which have been issued. Here may be found, not only a general idea of gutta-percha as a gum, but the results of scientific investigation, application, and analysis. We have, therefore, carefully avoided all the superfluous technicalities connected with patent papers, except such as are important to the object proposed, and selected only such as will be of real importance to the shoe manufacturer, or the scientific enquirer. The first patent ever issued in England, and which may be considered as the master patent, was taken out by Richard Archibald Brooman, of London. Patent dated March 11, 1845. Specification enrolled September 11, 1845. After reciting the specification, the patent describes the properties of the gum. _First._ It is of a highly combustible quality, being chiefly composed of carbon and hydrogen, while at the same time it inflames only at a very high degree of heat, and is _not injuriously affected by any known degree of atmospheric heat_. _Second._ It is soluble in essential oils, but resists, to a great extent the action of grease and unctuous oils. _Third._ It mixes readily with paints, pigments, and most other coloring matter. _Fourth._ It is repellent of, and _unaffected by cold water or damp_. _Fifth._ It may be so softened by mere immersion in hot water, or by exposure to steam or hot air, as to be capable without further treatment, of being kneaded or moulded, or rolled out, or spread in any desired shape, and to any extent of tensity. _Sixth._ It is of a strongly adhesive or agglutinating quality, and when dry is free from stickiness.