This section is from the book "The Home Cyclopedia Of General Information", by Charles Morris. Also available from Amazon: Home Cyclopedia of Necessary Knowledge.
A substance which is the basis of almost all vegetable fabrics. It has recently come into use as a lining for war ships to prevent the inflow of water through shot holes. It does this by swelling when wet. A preparation was first used for this purpose made from the fibrous husk of the cocoanut, but a better article is now in use obtained from the pith of the cornstalk.
 
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