Asbestos, Its production and use / With some account of the asbestos mines of Canada

An early technical and observational account explains asbestos’s physical nature, mineral varieties (notably chrysotile), and traditional anecdotes about its heat-resistant qualities. It compares European and Canadian deposits, characterizing ore forms, textures, and suitability for spinning and weaving. Detailed chapters report mining locations and methods in Quebec, with field notes on specific mine groups and local extraction practices. Sections describe industrial processing, commercial applications across crafts and manufacture, and handling techniques. The narrative blends geological description, practical reportage from mine visits, and compiled information drawn from correspondence and contemporary sources.