Notes and Comments. 79
same machine which draws the threads from the liquid twists these threads in any desired number into the requisite ' count,' or thickness of yarn, in one uninterrupted and continuous process, with perfect regularity. The machine is inexpensive and extremely simple. It can be run day and night without intermission, and requires but little power and attention. "The principal features of this process are : (I) Never-failing supply of the raw material; (2) practically uniform price of same; (3) simplicity of machinery, so as to avoid risk of breakdown ; and (4) no skilled, and only a small amount of low-priced, labor is necessary.
"The production of Lehner's artificial silk is entirely independent of climate, temperature, special soil or cultivation. " Lehner's artificial silk has been spun in Bradford, and has been worked up in a large variety of fabrics. In the dyeing, weaving and finishing of these sample fabrics, no special treatment has been necessary. Unlike most vegetable fibres, Lehner's artificial silk can be dyed in all colors, and the shades obtained excel in brilliancy and delicacy those of the finest natural silk.
" For softness and beauty of appearance the new material equals the best Chinese and Italian silks. By its use, therefore, in combination with cotton, wool or natural silk, brocaded and other ornamental and decorative results can be obtained, which have hitherto been unattainable, except by the employment of the finest trams and the expensive character of these necessarily limits their sale forthis purpose. The cost of Lehner s artificial silk being small, it follows that that fibre will open out a large and profitable new field to manufacturers, affording encouragement to them in the production of an unlimited variety of both choice and salable novelties in fabrics of almost every .descriptiori."
While the operative methods of producing this product apparently differ from those employed in the preparation of the " artificial silk " of Chardonnat, the pioneer inventor in this field, the product itse!f is doubtless identical, both consisting of a thread of cellulose made by appropriate chemical treatment of filaments of nitrocellulose. The serious objection to this " artificial silk," and which will probably prevent it from being used alone, that is, without admixture with natural fibres, is its deficiency in strength.
This defect may, however, not interfere with the use of the product in making mixed fabrics.