Well, I'll have to spend some time with the book and take notes.

Bill provided a link to a site which tells about ramie. I knew that it was a distinct kind of vegetable fibre of oriental origin, and I have a sweater made of ramie, at least in part, so I know what it's like. It's like coarse silk.

Cotton is, of course, made from the fibre of cotton plants, of which there are various types. Rayon has nothing to do with ramie; rayon is a man-made fibre like nylon, orlon, etc.

I'll compile what looks to me like some interesting dope on fabric and post it. If you have any specific questions, pm or email me.