Page 67 - The Miracle in the Spider

The Miracle of Silk 67

For example, if mankind makes steel and rubber cables as a result of the
knowledge gathered over hundreds of years, then with what knowledge
is spider thread, which is so superior, made? How is it that mankind
cannot fully grasp the formula and put it into operation? What is it that
makes spider silk so superior? The answer is hidden in the construction
of the silk. Research by international chemical manufacturing companies

has only partially determined the make-up of spider thread.

The Make-up of Silk
The silk spiders make is much stronger than any known fibres,
natural or synthetic. When scientists realised this they began
experimenting to understand in what way spiders make it. The first ones

The "wolf spider" prepares a matchless
cocoon for its eggs. The hard exterior
of the cocoon protects the eggs from
external dangers. The inside, padded
with silk, provides maximum comfort.
The spider inserts the eggs through a
hole in the top of the sack. (Top) Then
it closes up the hole and the eggs
enjoy perfect armoured protection. One
species in Oklahoma makes a padded
nest for itself. It finds a leaf and carries
it in its mouth. It folds the leaf up and
joins the edges with a special silk.
(Side) To guarantee the comfort of the
nest, it lines the inner walls with silk.