Tears of the Tree: The Story of Rubber--A Modern Marvel
Imagine a world without rubber—neither tires for driving or flying nor bouncing balls for sports, neither seals for washing machines and dishwashers, nor medical gloves—no elastics. This unique book tells the fascinating story of four thousand years of rubber—from its significance in Mayan religious rituals and culture to its pivotal role in today's world. It is seen through the lives of the adventurers and scientists who promoted it, lusted after it and eventually tamed it into the ubiquitous, yet crucial material of our lives today. It also examines the lives of those who caused the deaths of millions of natives in Africa and South America while seeking to satisfy the developing world's demand for this material. Written in a biographical format, the book examines why rubber ages and deteriorates and how the ravages of time may be ameliorated. It deals with our current concern for the environment and various options for 'waste disposal'. For the majority of people who think they know 'the truth' about rubber, this book may offer many surprises.
1136857724
Tears of the Tree: The Story of Rubber--A Modern Marvel
Imagine a world without rubber—neither tires for driving or flying nor bouncing balls for sports, neither seals for washing machines and dishwashers, nor medical gloves—no elastics. This unique book tells the fascinating story of four thousand years of rubber—from its significance in Mayan religious rituals and culture to its pivotal role in today's world. It is seen through the lives of the adventurers and scientists who promoted it, lusted after it and eventually tamed it into the ubiquitous, yet crucial material of our lives today. It also examines the lives of those who caused the deaths of millions of natives in Africa and South America while seeking to satisfy the developing world's demand for this material. Written in a biographical format, the book examines why rubber ages and deteriorates and how the ravages of time may be ameliorated. It deals with our current concern for the environment and various options for 'waste disposal'. For the majority of people who think they know 'the truth' about rubber, this book may offer many surprises.
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Tears of the Tree: The Story of Rubber--A Modern Marvel

Tears of the Tree: The Story of Rubber--A Modern Marvel

by John Loadman
Tears of the Tree: The Story of Rubber--A Modern Marvel

Tears of the Tree: The Story of Rubber--A Modern Marvel

by John Loadman

Hardcover

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Overview

Imagine a world without rubber—neither tires for driving or flying nor bouncing balls for sports, neither seals for washing machines and dishwashers, nor medical gloves—no elastics. This unique book tells the fascinating story of four thousand years of rubber—from its significance in Mayan religious rituals and culture to its pivotal role in today's world. It is seen through the lives of the adventurers and scientists who promoted it, lusted after it and eventually tamed it into the ubiquitous, yet crucial material of our lives today. It also examines the lives of those who caused the deaths of millions of natives in Africa and South America while seeking to satisfy the developing world's demand for this material. Written in a biographical format, the book examines why rubber ages and deteriorates and how the ravages of time may be ameliorated. It deals with our current concern for the environment and various options for 'waste disposal'. For the majority of people who think they know 'the truth' about rubber, this book may offer many surprises.

Product Details

ISBN-13: 9780198568407
Publisher: Oxford University Press
Publication date: 09/02/2005
Pages: 356
Product dimensions: 8.60(w) x 5.40(h) x 1.00(d)

About the Author

John Loadman began his working career as an analytical chemist with the Natural Rubber Producers' Research Association (now Tun Abdul Razak Research Centre or TARRC, Hertford, UK) in 1967, having obtained a Master's degree in Organic Chemistry from the University of Durham. He continued in that area of work through to retirement in 1999, having reached the position of Head of the Materials Characterization Group.

Table of Contents

1. The Mesoamericans and the 'All American Ball Game'2. Europe Goes West3. What's in a Name? 4. The Battles of the Giants—Charles Goodyear5. The Battles of the Giants—Thomas Hancock6. Rubber Goes East7. The King and the Congo8. Slaves to Rubber9. Competition!10. The Heavy Mob11. Chemicals and Curatives12. Padding or Performance Enhancer? 13. The Rot Sets In14. Death and Destruction15. Timeline
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