| Citation | Analytical and Consulting Chemist. Distinguished as an investigator of cellulose and its products, and as the founder of a great industry. His scientific work resulted in the discovery of 'viscose'-cellulose xanthogenic acid; the original patent was taken out in 1892, and on its expiry the Privy Council extended it for a further period of five years. The largest use of 'viscose' is its application to artifical silk. On June 30, 1914, there was an annual production of 14 000 000 lbs, the capital employed was œ5 000 000, and the workpeople 12 000. Probably at least 100 highly trained chemists are directly employed in this industry. 'Viscose' is also largely used for photographic films, and about œ250 000 of capital finds use in the manufacture. This very important industry is based on scientific work. Among his papers, or in collaboration with others, are the following: 'Liquefication' (Trans Chem Soc, 1883, 1898); 'Oxy-cellulose' (ibid, 1889); 'Carbohydrates of Cereal Straws' (ibid, 1896, 1897, 1898); 'Interaction of Carbohydrates and H2O2' (ibid, 1898); 'Acetylation of Cellulose' first industrial process-(this has since become a large industry, ibid, 1890); 'Hydroxidation of Benzeneand Furfural' (Berl Berichte, 1900); 'Nitration, Sulphonation' (ibid); 'Cellulose acetyl-sulphates' (IBID, 1895): 'Chloramines' (Journ Soc Chem Ind, 1908; also 1910, Trans Chem Soc); 'Interactionsof Formic Acid and Cellulose' (Trans Chem Soc). Has also published books on 'Cellulose' (Longmans, 1895; 2nd ed, 1901); 'Researches on Cellulose' (Longmans, 1895-1900; 2nd ed, 1900-1905; 3rd ed, 1905-1910); 'Text-book of Paper-making' (Spon, 4th ed in the press); 'Wood Pulp and its Uses' (Constable); Indian Fibres.' |