Rensselaer Republican, Volume 16, Number 47, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 31 July 1884 — How to Split a Sheet of Paper. [ARTICLE]

How to Split a Sheet of Paper.

It is one of the most remarkable properties of that wonderful product, paper, says the British and Colonial Printer and Stationer, that it can be split into two or even three parts, however thin the sheet. We have seen a leaf of the Illustrated Neu)S~ thus divided into three parts, or three thin leaves. One consisted of the surface on which the engravings are printed; another was the side containing the letter-press, and a perfectly blank piece on either side was the paper that lay between. Many people who have not seen this done might think it impossible; yet it is not only possible, but extremely easy, as we shall show. Get a piece of plate-glass, and place it on a sheet of paper; then let the latter be thoroughly soaked. With care and dexterity the sheet can be split by the top surface being removed. But the best plan is to paste a piece of cloth or strong paper to each side of the sheet to be split. When dry, violently and without hesitation, pull the two pieces asunder, when a part of the sheet will be found to have adhered to one and part to the other. Soften the paste in water and the pieces can be easily removed from the cloth. The process is generally demonstrated as a matter of curiosity, yet it can be utilized in various ways. If we want to paste in a scrap-book a newspaper article printed on both sides of 'the paper, and possess only one Copy, it is Very convenient to know how to detach the one side from the other. The paper, when split, as may be imagined, is more transparent

tljan.it was before being subjected to the operation, and the printing-ink is somewhat duller. Otherwise the two pieces present th© appearance of the original if again’ brought together. Some time ago the information of how to do this spitting was advertised to be sold for a considerable sum. We now impart it to all our readers gratuitously.