Download Rudimentary Treatise on Limes, Cements, Mortars, Concretes, Mastics, Plastering, Etc Book in PDF, ePub and Kindle
This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1850 edition. Excerpt: ... feared that it will continue to be treated with the neglect which has hitherto been the lot of the whole science of chemistry applied to the arts of building. It happens, unfortunately, that very few architects or engineers are chemists; few chemists are aware of the nature of the questions it concerns us so deeply to have solved. May the author hope that he has advanced the scientific interests of the profession, by calling attention, in however humble a manner, to the points and questions which appear to him to require explanation? GEO. R. BURNELL. London, Nov. 1849. ARTIFICIAL STONE. A Very ingenious improvement has been made in the manufacture of this very useful article by Mr. Frederick Ransome, of Ipswich, who has recently obtained a patent. The main feature of this invention consists in the use of a solution of flint, as the binding material. For this purpose flint or other silicious matters are dissolved by caustic alkali, under pressure in a steam boiler, by which means a silicated solution is obtained, possessing the physical properties of gum water or glue, being perfectly transparent, and of great tenacity. The solution, when in this state, may be usefully employed in impregnating wood or other similar substances, the subsequent application of a weak acid precipitating the silica in the pores of the wood, &c.; the materials are thus rendered fireproof and indestructible. In the production of artificial stone, for grinding, building, or ornamental purposes, the solution is worked up with sand, clay, powdered flint, and other raw materials, varying in fineness and quality according to the kind of stone required. The compound thus produced possesses the plastic properties of glaziers' putty, and in this state it is readily...