Hemp Hurds as Paper-Making Material

The opening pages introduce a 1916 government bulletin that examines hemp hurds— the woody core of the hemp stalk— as a raw material for paper. Written by a botanist and a paper chemist, the report blends field observations with laboratory insight, detailing how the stalk grows, how it is broken, and how different retting methods affect the quality of the hurds. Listeners will get a clear picture of the plant’s structure and its potential industrial uses.

The narrative then moves to the practical side of turning those shredded cores into sheet stock, covering handling techniques, yield calculations, and the challenges of removing impurities like sand and residual gum. It compares traditional dew‑retting with water‑retting practiced in Europe, highlighting how each influences fiber length and paper texture. Whether you’re a historian of technology, a papermaker curious about alternative fibers, or simply fascinated by the science of everyday materials, this detailed yet accessible guide offers a rare glimpse into early 20th‑century innovation.