The Early History of the Synthetic Dye Industry*

Abstract

An account of the development of the industry from 1856 to 1900 is given. The early years of the dye‐making companies are described, with reference also to the chemists who were responsible for many of the important discoveries. The effect on the industry in Britain of the loss of many of those chemists and of the best managers is contrasted with the rapid increase in the efficiency and size of the Gorman companies. Accounts are given of the main British companies and of the ways in which they attempted to meet the almost overwhelming competition from the Continent. The evidence on the decline of the industry in Britain, presented by Meldola and, later, by Green, is reviewed.