Here are a couple of examples of publications by insurance companies in the 19th century.
In 1873, the Mutual Life Insurance Company of New York came out with a book entitled Plain Directions for Accidents, Emergencies, and Poisons. The insurance company had 180,00 copies of the 144 page book printed for distribution. Take a look at an introductory page and a page that discusses lead poisoning.
In the 1890s, the Fidelity Casualty Company of New York published an engineering manual for boilers. The manual included a section on coverings for boilers and steam pipes, with mineral wool noted as being incombustible and a good protective covering. Besides mineral wool and other materials used for coverings, the manual states, "there are many patent coverings composed of asbestos, magnesia, etc., all of which have their merits."
