Abstract
THIS little book, written in epistolary style, though possessing little or no scientific value, contains an interesting account of the “asbestos ” mines of Canada, and of the methods pursued in working the mineral in that country. It is precisely ten years since the first Canadian chrysotile mines were opened, and the annual yield at the present time appears to be more than 2000 tons, so that the new locality is rapidly becoming an important rival to the older and better-known asbestos mines of the Italian Alps. The author gives a brief description of the mode of occurrence of the mineral in the Serpentine belt which traverses the provinces of Megantic and Beauce in Quebec, and prophesies a wider development of this industry in the future; he does not, however, supply any such details as would suggest either the origin or the probable extent of the Canadian “asbestos,” and the book contains no original observations of any scientific importance. The author does not appear to be aware of the difference between asbestos and chrysotile. The pages most interesting to general readers are those which contain an account of the latest uses to which the mineral is now applied; among which may be mentioned fire-balloons, theatre-curtains, fire-proof paint, filters, and letter-paper.
Asbestos, its Production and Use.
By Robert H. Jones. (London: Crosby Lockwood and Son, 1888.)
Article PDF
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
[Book Reviews]. Nature 38, 148 (1888). https://doi.org/10.1038/038148b0
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/038148b0