Chatterton's compound

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Chatterton’s compound was an adhesive waterproof insulating compound that was used in early submarine communications cables. Its constitution is as follows:

• 3 parts gutta-percha
• 1 part rosin
• 1 part Stockholm tar

Chatterton's Compound was also used to stick insulating paper to armatures, for example those on Synchronome clocks; the most accurate clocks made in the early part of the 20th century. If the paper looked in a bad condition it could be removed by warming up the armature near a flame and replacing it.