THE STORY OF ARTIFICIAL SILK At first, there were many difficulties in dyeing Artificial Silk. It had to be handled carefully, as it loses much of its strength when wetted. The dyeing at first was uneven, because of differences in the batches of thread. The dyers had to study the whole problem and prepare special dyes and baths. They had to learn their trade all over again. They had to face a new mystery. There was not a book nor an expert in the world to help them. Their previous experience with other textiles was of very little value. But they succeeded, as you can see, by looking at the radiant Artificial Silk garments in the shop windows. Artificial Silk, like natural silk, is now being weighted with tin. From 10 to 50 per cent. of tin is added. This weighting is destructive, but it adds to the appearance and the body of the goods. It lifts the goods up into a superior class. Women want it. They prefer style and appearance to durabi- lity, consequently the weighting of silk goods is likely to continue. 7