HISTORICAL NOTES CONCERNING VEGETABLE FIBRES by NICLAU J. MOREIRO - 1876 For Sale

We are offering Historical Notes Concerning Vegetable Fibres. Exhibited by Severino L. da C. Leite. [Centennial Exhibition, Philadelphia 1876]. By Nicolau J. Moreiro, M.D. New York: "O Novo Mundo" Printing Office. 1876. Signed by Willis G. Tucker, natural scientist and chemist (SEE NOTE BELOW).(4 1/4" x 6 3/4"; 16 pages)
Presented here is an analysis of Brazilian fibers for their use in the manufacture of textile fabrics. Here is a little bit of information taken from the first page, which we are paraphrasing: Comparisons were made of Brazilian fibers to cotton, with findings that Brazilian plant fibers were more durable and stronger than cotton which was known for its softness. Examples given were that the finest Indian muslins were made from the fibers of wood from the branches and leaves of tropical plants such as the banana; the leaves and fibers from palm leaves were good for making ropes, the fibers from the cocoa plant which were good for making large ropes for vessels, and also the fibers from aloe plant leaves were useful for other purposes. At the end of the publication is a chart comparing Lacteal Fiber to Flax and Malpighiacea, comparing the quality from highest to lowest of the three to their weight in grams.
**NOTE** - Willis G.Tucker (born in Albany in 1849) was a chemist, natural scientist, Albany Medical College graduate, teacher and lecturer. In 1881, Dr. Tucker was appointed public analyst to the newly created Albany Board of Health where he investigated the state's public water supplies and made special studies of matters pertaining to the sanitary production of food and drugs. Many of his papers were published in scientific journals.
CONDITION: Publication is in Very Good condition. The pages had separated from the thin-cord binding and have been repaired/reinforced with acid-free archival mending tape, both inside and out.