Observations on the Resistance of Natural Timbers to Marine Wood Borers: A Contribution to the Work of Group Committee T-9 On Marine Biological Deterioration^* Available to Purchase

The question of why certain timbers have resistance to marine borer attack is considered from the standpoint of the nature of the attack-repelling property. The “toxic substances” theory and “silica content” hypothesis are examined at great length. The role of tannin as a possible protective agent is discussed briefly. The degree of damage occurring to borers’ teeth was thought to be of significance in studying the mechanism of corrosion resistance. Also of importance was a comparison of morphological variations found in shells recovered from poisonous woods with those found in siliceous woods. 6.6.11