A plumber (call him Joe) in Grand Rapids, Michigan was embarking on a project and needed to know the effect of sulfuric acid on cast iron pipes. As this was pre-internet, he decided to seek advice from the U.S. Labor Department in Washington, D.C. About a week later came the wordy reply, the meat of which read ...."the application of sulfuric acid is contra-indicated in the process you describe." Joe was so pleased with his government's prompt response he thanked them and said...."I have just ordered a 25 gallon carboy (jar) of acid." In 48 hours he received the following....."sulfuric acid is deleterious to cast iron." With communications flowing from this government agency, Joe replied ....the acid just arrived and I am commencing the project tomorrow." Back came a telegram (Western Union)........"DON'T USE THE ACID, IT EATS THE HELL OUT OF CAST IRON."
tjs
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