He made some sheets of white rubber which were exhibited, and also some articles for sale.

His hopes were dashed when he found that weak acid, such as apple juice or vinegar, destroyed his new product.

Then in 1836 he found that the application of aqua fortis, or nitric acid, produced a "curing" effect on the rubber and thought that he had discovered the secret.

Finding a partner with capital, he leased an abandoned rubber factory on Staten Island.

But his partner's fortune was swept away in the panic of 1837, leaving Goodyear again an insolvent debtor.