Asbestos in 1827: A Deep Historical Dig

This post is aimed at people who are truly interested in the ancient history. For the sake of ease, let’s define ancient history as almost 200 years ago, as we happen to have a book from 1827 (the edition that I have is dated 1827) with a pretty good discussion. In fact, this 550 page book authored by M. Malte-Brun (Conrad) published in Philadelphia, and titled Universal Geography, or a Description of All the Parts of the World, on a New Plan, According to the Great Natural Divisions of the Globe: Accompanied with Analytical, Synoptical, and Elementary Tables, is really quite something. I have to admit to looking up the word “Synoptical” as I had never heard it before.

First, it seems that Conrad Malte-Brun died prior to publishing this edition of his book as, per Wikipedia, the 6th volume was published in 1826, the year that he died. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Conrad_Malte-Brun. My book with a 1827 date is labeled as Volume 1. I have no way to reconcile that information 200 years later without a deep dig.

Below is the discussion on asbestos which begins with “We will terminate this hasty survey of earthy substances by a brief description of the celebrated asbestos.” Interesting that he actually used the word “asbestos” in that era as the mineral had a number of other names. Please read for yourself the details of what went before him in terms of asbestos research. My favorite discussion is on the mistake by Father Athanasius Kircher, https://www.vaticanobservatory.org/resources/religious-scientists/kircher-athanasius-1602-1680/, in getting his asbestos wick wet after two years of use, and thereby preventing him from continuing his experiment.

I know that this type of history isn’t for everyone; but, it is for me and others interested in the historical uses of asbestos. Let me know if you have any questions or comments, either by leaving a comment or by emailing me at TheAsbestosBlog@gmail.com. Thanks. Marty