simple. When the caoutchouc has been treated with hot naphtha, it is well beaten | with a pestle, and passed through a sieve. The varnish thus formed is then spread, by means of a piece of metal or wood, having a smooth edge, on the cloth. Two equal pieces of cloth are then brought together, with the prepared surfaces in contact. A slight pressure is sufficient to make them adhere; but that the material may be perfectly smooth, they are passed between strong rollers. The cloth is then hung up in a room, sufficiently heated by a stove, to dry. The smell of the naphtha is at first extremely offensive, but this substance is soon evaporated, and the cloth is fit for use. The value of Macintosh cloth for all those articles of dress which are intended to resist the weather, cannot be denied; but there is, at the same time, no doubt of the extremely injurious effect of wearing it close to the body. It has not only the power of resisting water, but also prevents the escape of vapours; for bags are frequently made of it to contain gases, as is the case in the best constructed oxyhydrogen blow-pipes and microscopes. When worn as a close body garment, it will, therefore, prevent the escape of the perspiration, which every one knows to be a process in the animal economy absolutely necessary for the healthy action of the functions of the body. For cloaks, capes, and other loose articles of dress to be wrapped round the person during a heavy shower, or even a long exposure to rain, it is invaluable, but it should not be used in any other way. Caoutchouc is also used in the manufacture of elastic bands and braces. These are not made in the same manner as the Macintosh cloth, and will therefore require a short description. The thread is prepared with caoutchouc before it is made into a fabric, or threads of indian rubber are used. The idea of making braces and other articles of caoutchouc thread seems to have originated in Venice. Sometimes the threads have been introduced uncovered into a loom as the warp; but it is more common to cover them in the braid machine with the fabric of which the article is to be made, whether it be silk, cotton, or worsted. When elasticity is required in every direction, both the warp and the weft are of the caoutchouc thread. The thread was formerly made by cutting the pear-shaped bottles into narrow strips, and then separating the layers by a pair of pincers. Other manufacturers have adopted the plan of expanding the bottles before the cutting was commenced. To effect this, the indian rubber was first steeped in boiling water, so as to soften it, and then inflated by a forcing-pump. A machine, however, has now been constructed for the purpose of cutting the thread, which has not only caused a considerable saving of time, but has enabled the manufacturer to produce a much more perfect article. When the fabric has been formed in the loom, the caoutchouc is frequently found to have lost much of its elasticity, in consequence of its having been too much stretched; but this may be easily restored by passing a hot iron over it, which causes it to contract in the direction of the caoutchouc threads. Elastic bands are strongly recommended by the physician in many diseases of the human body, and they are invaluable in the construction of some surgical instruments. The manufacture of indian rubber shoes is a very simple process, for it merely consists in covering a last with the caoutchouc, when in a liquid state. Before a solvent was discovered, this could only be done by collecting the fluid as it exuded from the tree, and these articles were consequently obtained with difficulty, and at a considerable cost. They are now manufactured in England and other European countries, and may be considered as one of the most important additions to the personal comfort of many classes of the community, especially those whose employment compels them to stand or walk for any long period in water. It is almost unnecessary to remark, that in every department of the mechanical arts the value of caoutchouc is more or less acknowledged by its applications. It is suited for the construction of all those articles in which elasticity is required, and for the preparation of those fabrics which are intended to resist the action of the weather, especially the sailcloth of which tents are made, and articles of wearing apparel. It was anticipated that it would have been extensively employed in the manufacture of varnishes, but for this purpose it is not suited. But the most curious, and, as it will probably be found, the most important fact is yet to be mentioned. In the year 1833, a patent was taken out by a Mr. Barnard, for the discovery of a solvent not hitherto used in the arts, which has been called caoutchoucine. This gentle- | two-thirds of caoutchouc. In the process man ascertained, that caoutchouc is vapo- of rectification, for the purpose of obtainrized, that is to say, becomes a vapour, ing a larger product of the oil colourless, at a temperature of about six hundred I put about one-third of water into the degrees Fahrenheit. By means of a suit- still. Objections have been made to the able still, and the necessary apparatus, smell of this liquid :—I have found such this vapour was condensed into a liquid, smell removed by mixing and shaking up which was found to possess many remark- the liquid with nitro-muriatic acid, or able qualities. When first obtained, it is chlorine, in the proportion of a quarter dark-coloured oily fluid, but when rec- of a pint of the acid, of the usual comtified, which is done by the ordinary mercial strength, to a gallon of the process, it becomes brighter and more liquid." H. transparent, and when quite pure is colourless and very volatile. It possesses two remarkable qualities. In its liquid state it has a less specific gravity than any other liquid yet known to chemists, being much lighter than sulphuric ether; but as a vapour it is heavier than any known gas, and may be poured from one vessel to another like water. CESAREA. THE city of Cesarea was founded by Herod, and every building in it, whether public or private, was of marble. The haven, which appears to have been almost entirely an artificial formation, was larger than the Pireus at Athens, The uses to which this substance may and was defended by a breakwater. be applied are numerous. It is an excel- No remains of it are now to be dislent solvent of caoutchouc, the substance covered, though some of the stones used from which it is produced, and of all the in its erection, were fifty feet in length. resins. It has the property of dissolving In the time of the apostles, it was the copal at the ordinary temperature of the principal city of Syria, and the resiatmosphere, whereas the other solvents of dence of the Roman governor. It was this important gum, and they are but few, a dispute, respecting the possession of require a considerable artificial heat. It this city, that gave rise to the war with also mixes readily with the oils, and when the Romans. Vespasian was here first added to the cocoa-nut oil of commerce, proclaimed emperor by his soldiers, causes it to become fluid, and fits it for after which he hastened to Alexanuse in ordinary lamps. dria, and from thence to Rome, and Titus took the command of the army which was destined to carry into effect the awful predictions that had been uttered against Jerusalem. The city was built in the time of the crusaders. The walls can be easily traced, in an oblong form; the extended side towards the sea. There are many apartments, pillars, and parts of arches, in the area of the city. There is an arched vault near the sea; and in another direction, the remains of two oval recesses may have belonged to the eastern end of the cathedral. The ruins of a castle stand upon a small peninsula, and granite columns are scattered along the seashore in great profusion. Without the city, on the southern side, are several mounds of ruins, overgrown with grass and brushwood. The amphitheatre stood in this direction, where Herod Antipas was smitten by the angel of God, and eaten of worms. Further information concerning the preparation and properties of caoutchoucine, may be found in the specification of the patentee, from which the following extracts are taken. "I take a mass of the said caoutchouc, or indian rubber, as imported, and having cut it into small lumps, containing about two cubic inches each, which I prefer, I throw these lumps into a cast-iron still. I then apply heat to the still in the usual manner, which heat is increased until the thermometer ranges at six hundred degrees Fahrenheit, or thereabouts; and as the thermometer ranges at six hundred degrees Fahrenheit, a dark-coloured oil, or liquid, is distilled over, which I claim as my said invention, such liquid being a solvent of caoutchouc, and other resinous and oleaginous substances. When the thermometer reaches six hundred degrees, or thereabouts, nothing is left in the still but dirt and charcoal. I have found the operation of distillation to be facilitated by the addition of a portion of this oil, in the proportion of one-third of oil to There is not a single inhabitant near the place, nor any modern building, a circumstance which gives it a purity of character seldom presented to the traveller. A few birds and lizards are the only living possessors we saw of this once crowded city; and these are not often disturbed in their abode, as the road, usually pursued, passes at a little distance. Philip the deacon resided here some years, with his four virgin daughters. It was here that Cornelius the centurion beheld the vision of an angel; and that Peter declared to him, and his house this cheering truth, that "God is no respecter of persons: but in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him," Acts x. 34, 35. Paul was imprisoned here two whole years; and, at other times, visited the place on his way to and from Jerusalem: and it was here that Felix trembled before him, and that Agrippa was almost persuaded to be a Christian. As it was the usual residence of the Roman governor, it was the scene of more numerous cruelties than any other parts of Palestine during the heathen persecutions. The ecclesiastical historian Eusebius was bishop of this place. The famous Origen resided here for some time, and, whilst yet a layman, was permitted to preach before bishops. A walk through ruins, where scenes so memorable have been witnessed, could not but rouse the dullest soul into excitement, and awaken many trains of most profitable reflection. The woes of the prisoner, and the triumphs of the persecutor, had all alike passed away; and where the simple eloquence of an apostle was once heard, and its power was acknowledged by an unjust judge, and an ambitious monarch, no sound could then be distinguished, but the gentle murmur of the sea. There was a single boat passing at the time, with its small white sail, to remind us of the thousands that once bore themselves proudly upon the same waters, laden with the produce of all climes. This spot is particularly dear to the missionary, as it was consecrated by the baptism of the first Gentile convert, at that time a wonder without a precedent. Now the "children of the adoption" are living under the wrath of God, and the despised "barbarians," from almost every nation among men, are admitted into the favour of the Lord, and have the promise that they shall sit down with Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, in the kingdom of heaven. At such a place, the solemn caution of the apostle comes home to the mind with additional force, "Be not highminded, but fear: for if God spared not the natural branches, take heed lest he spare not thee," Rom. ii. 20, 21.-Hardy's Notices of the Holy Land. UNSEARCHABLENESS OF GOD. GOD is unsearchable. The ages of his eternity cannot be numbered, nor the spaces of his immensity measured; the depths of his wisdom cannot be fathomed, nor the reaches of his power bounded; the brightness of his glory can never be described, nor an inventory made of the treasures of his goodness. This is a good God with humility and caution, and never reason why we should always speak of prescribe to him, nor quarrel with him; why we should be thankful for what he has revealed of himself, and long to be there, where we shall see him as he is. 1 Cor. xiii. 9, 10.-Matthew Henry. SCAPE GOAT. DR. Scudder, an American missionary at Panditeripo, in Ceylon, remarks in his journal: This people have a scape goat. Sometimes when they are sick, they vow that if they get well they will send away one of their goats. They tie a string (generally yellow) around its neck, or cut out a piece of its ear, and dismiss it. All who see it know it is sacred, and will not molest it. If a man has committed a great crime, he dismisses a goat in order that his sin may be taken away. Before this is done, it is sprinkled with water, and the individual puts his hands on its head and prays to his god for forgiveness." ANTIOCHUS EPIPHANES. ANTIOCHUS was a remarkable character in that period of history which intervenes between the close of the Old Testament, and the beginning of the New Testament, a space of about four hundred years, and one which should be attentively studied by all who wish to be acquainted with the ancient people of God, to whom were given his "lively oracles." On his accession to the crown, at the death of his father, Antiochus the Great, B.C. 175, the Syrians gave him, in flattery, the title of Epiphanes, which means illustrious. His conduct was, however, so disgraceful, and so insane, without the excuse which those have who suffer from mental disease, that he was called Epimanes, or madman. He was practically an atheist, yet he avowed his reverence for Jupiter Olympus, and tried to compel all his subjects to worship that idol. A few years after his accession, he entered Egypt the second time, but met with an unexpected repulse. Advancing towards Alexandria, he was met, near that city, by the Roman ambassadors: recognizing one of them, Popilius Loenas, as an old friend he had known at Rome, he saluted him as such; but the Roman refused his salute, and demanded an answer to the mandate brought by the ambassadors, which required Antiochus to leave Egypt in peace. He wished to evade an immediate reply; but Popilius OCTOBER, 1841. drew a circle around him, and insisted-no an answer before he left it. To this, therefore, he was compelled to yield; but proceeded to make the Jews the objects of his disappointed rage. The chief collector of the tribute was sent with an armed force to Jerusalem, and taking advantage of the Jewish regard for the sabbath, on which day they would not offer any resistance, he directed his soldiers to engage in plunder and massacre. Some of the Jews wee slain, many were sold into bondage; the buildings near Mount Zion were destroyed, that the fortress might be made a citadel; the daily sacrifices were discontinued; and Antiochus issued an edict, enforcing the observance of certain heathen rites throughout his dominions. A fearful change was now apparent: the temple was dedicated to Jupiter; sacrifices were offered to an idol; an old Athenian priest, well acquainted with the rites of gross superstitions, was sent to direct the people in their practice, and riot and revellings were common in an edifice once devoted to the worship of the only true God. It is soothing to think, that amidst this abounding of iniquity, many remained faithful to their solemn engagements; and under the conviction, that all human help was vain, they earnestly supplicated the aid of God, who is a "refuge and strength, a very present help in 2 F trouble," Psa. xlvi. 1. The hearer and answerer of prayer listened to their cry; deliverers were raised up for them from the tribe of Levi; and a signal triumph was gained over the fury and power of the oppressor. Not only were his generals defeated in Judea; but he failed to accomplish his designs in the east; and he determined, in consequence, to return and renew his attacks on the Jews; but while on his journey, he died at Tabee, on the borders of Persia and Chaldea, either from the effects of his wounds, or, as some say, of a loathsome disease. In one respect, his iron tyranny was overruled for good: it stirred up a spirit of resistance among the Jews, which continued to influence many, so that while their rulers often inclined to the manners and idolatry of the Greeks, they kept themselves a separate people.-AMICUS. WORDS. THE following remarks of the Rev. W. L. Alexander, referring to words spoken, are still more applicable to words written. An ancient philosopher tells us that words are things: and we may add, that words are living things; that, being exponents of man's thoughts, they acquire a portion of that immortality that belongs to the spirit from which those thoughts arise. We find that, while the deeds of men perish, and pass away, the words of men sometimes live for ever; that while many of the vastest operations of men's hands have been written as on the sand of the sea shore, the words of mouths, expressing the thoughts of men's hearts, have been inscribed on imperishable marble and brass. Who shall define now the boundaries of the empire of the Cesars ? Where are the limits of Babylon's domain? and who can trace out the obliterated boundaries of Carthage, and Assyria, and many of the ancient empires which have flourished upon the earth? But though the throne of the Cesars has passed away, the words of Cicero still live; and though Athens be trodden in the dust, her lords barbarians, and her people slaves, the words of Demosthenes, which he fulminated over Greece, and which shook that dire democracy, still flourish in imperishable vigour on his immortal page. And in many cases where the name of the speaker has passed away from the memory of man, the words he spake to man still live. How often has the solitary thinker come forth from his chamber, and, flinging his thoughts over the land, retired to his obscurity again! The eyes of men perhaps saw him no more, but the ears of men heard his words, the minds of men responded to their truth, and these words have aided in working out the regeneration of the race, and advancing the world in the career of civilization and happiness. It is thus that words live with a sort of immortality even on earth; and it is thus that he who deals in words incurs a vast responsibility. He, therefore, who deals in such materials, should be well prepared before he comes forth to dispense them among men; for he undertakes a great and unspeakable responsibility. Bacon says, words are the money of wise men, but the counters of fools. A wise man knows how to assort his words, and how to put them to their proper use. And if it be of importance that words shall be well used in every department of life, of what importance is it that they should be carefully used by that man, who, by the opening of his mouth, gives direction to man on a subject of imperishable interest! Oh! who can tell what may be the result of a single opening of our mouth? who can tell what may be the effect of a single sermon we preach? who can estimate the effect for good or ill of those words, sometimes too carelessly flung at large upon the minds of our hearers? who can calculate the progress of thought in the mind of a man, and throughout the mind of the community? It is in this respect, I have sometimes thought, with the law of mind as with the law of mere ethereal fluids, when the breeze sweeps across the ocean, who can tell how far its influence is felt on the surface of the waves ? and when the human voice is sent forth upon the atmosphere, who can tell how far the vibrations of that sound are felt amid the wide expanse of air above and around us? And when the preacher of the cross of Christ sends his words out among the people, who can tell how far and how long the pulsations of that voice may vibrate-how tremendously that one speech may operate upon the eternal destinies, not only of those who hear it, but throughout the world? It is just with mind as it is with the wind, the ocean, and the circumambient air. |