Chapter XLIII: Section XI: Miscellaneous Manufactures

The manufacture of soap was commenced in Scotland about the middle of the seventeenth century, and it has been carried on in Glasgow and other towns for upwards of two centuries; but great improvements have been made in the processes of this manufacture since the later part of the last century. It was shown in a preceding chapter of this volume, that the science of chemistry was ably taught by Cullen and Black, in Glasgow and Edinburgh, from the middle of the last century onward; and the results of this soon began to appear in the improvement of those useful arts and manufactures in which the application of efficient apparatus and appliances to the varied processes so much depends on a thorough knowledge of chemical science. Not only have the processes of the then existing arts and industries been greatly improved, but new arts and manufactures have been created, and numerous varieties of articles and goods have been manufactured in millions, tens of millions, and thousands of millions, from substances, the very names of which were unknown in Britain a hundred years ago, such as india-rubber and gutta-percha. The whole class of what may be termed the chemical arts have been advanced amazingly in the present century.

I.――The alkali works at St. Rollox, in Glasgow, belonging to Messrs. Tennant & Company, were begun about the end of the last century; and at first they only occupied about three acres of ground, but they have been rapidly extended. In 1875, the works covered fifty acres, and eighty acres more were occupied with deposits, etc.; and 1200 men were employed in the establishment. The original leaden chambers were 6 to 8 feet square. The present chambers are 80 to 200 feet long, 20 feet wide, and 21 feet high, with a total capacity of about 1,500,000 cubic feet. The sulphuric acid for sale is rectified in glass retorts, but for the most part in two platinum stills, which are about 3 feet in diameter, and worth £2300 each, and rectify 13 tons per day. The plant, including the branch works of the Company at Hebburn, Newcastle, can produce 20,000 tons of bleaching powder, besides all the collateral and subsidiary products. The total raw material consumed annually at St. Rollox, amounts to about 80, 000 tons. In addition to the regular manufactures, there are numerous other operations carried on in the works. Among these there are gas and brick making, and iron casting, the foundry being able of casting 300 tons a-week. Employment is also given to coopers, joiners, cart and waggon wrights, blacksmiths, tinsmiths, plumbers, engineers, and other mechanics. For the different operations 110,000 tons of coal are consumed per annum, and the numerous furnaces are in connection with 22 chimneys, ranging from 60 to 455½ feet high. The chief chimney, both from its magnitude and from its elevated position, is seen for many miles round Glasgow.

The products of the works are soda-ash, soda-crystals, caustic soda, sulphuric and hydrochloric acids, bleaching powder, soap, recovered sulphur, and recovered carbonate and peroxide of manganese.¹ In 1891, there were 2,674 persons engaged in alkali manufacture, of whom 429 were females.

¹ _Notices of some of the Principal Manufactures of the West
of Scotland_, pages 222‒224.

There are several soap-works in Glasgow which produce the common kinds of soap, and also a variety of fancy soaps and blue-mottled soap. At the works of Kinning Park, Glasgow, special soaps are made for calico-printers, Turkey-red dyers, tweed and woollen finishers, scourers, bleachers, dyers, and for many other purposes. There are soap-works in other towns throughout the country. Soap is largely manufactured in Aberdeen, in which there are two soap-works. The works of Messrs. Ogston & Sons are extensive, and produce a large quantity of soap.

In 1871, the number of persons employed in the manufacture of soap in Scotland was 434, of whom 32 were females. Down to 1833, a duty was charged on hard soap. In 1891 there were about 600 employed in this manufacture.

II.――There are extensive alum-works in Glasgow, and in the neighbourhood of Paisley. Near both of these places there is found in connection with the coal a black slaty rock or shale which contains bituminous matter and iron pyrites spread through it; and this shale is largely used in the manufacture of alum. Alum itself is largely used in calico-printing and dyeing, in the tanning of leather, in the finishing of paper, and for many other purposes.

III.――The manufacture of mineral oils was started in Scotland in 1851, by the late Dr. Young, of Durris, who, in company with Mr. Meldrum and Mr. Binney, erected paraffin oil works near Bathgate. Afterwards a number of mineral oil works were started. Dr. Young formed a new company under the title of Young’s Paraffin Light and Mineral Oil Company, which is still carried on. In 1871, there were about 3000 persons employed in the Scotch mineral oil works. In recent years the mineral oil trade has been in a depressed state, and in 1891, the number of hands employed in it were 2,474.

IV.――The preparation of artificial manures is carried on to a considerable extent in Scotland; and also the manufacture of several kinds of food for animals.

V.――The manufacture of combs is carried on to a considerable extent. Aberdeen is the chief seat of this industry, in which there are two comb works.

In 1830 Mr. John Stewart and Mr. Joseph Rowell commenced to manufacture combs in Mealmarket Lane, Aberdeen, under the name of Stewart, Rowell & Company. Both men had excellent business abilities, and their united efforts led to signal success. In 1835 the firm removed to larger premises in Hutcheon Street, where the works were admirably managed, and the business developed with rare commercial tact, energy, and enterprise. This firm by the introduction of machinery succeeded in producing an unprecedented quantity of goods at prices which soon commanded the markets of the world. From time to time the works have been extended, and now occupy a large space of ground. Many different appliances and machines are used in preparing the materials, and in the various operations of making and finishing the numerous varieties of goods produced. These operations all proceed on a systematic method, and evince a fine combination of mechanism.

The goods manufactured in the works consist of every variety of combs, of which great quantities are produced; and a number of other useful and fancy articles. The firm employs about 850 hands. John Stewart died on the 25th of January, 1887, and was succeeded by his eldest son, David, the present head of the firm, and ex-Lord Provost of Aberdeen.

In 1871, the number of persons employed in the manufacture of combs in Scotland was 1061, of whom 199 were females. In 1891 there were 1150 hands employed in this industry.

Concerning the important industry of the fisheries, in 1871 there were 26,267 fishermen and 1029 fisherwomen in Scotland. In 1891 there were over 30,000 persons employed in fishing.

In conclusion, the rise and progress of the coal and iron mining were narrated; the erection of ironworks and the development of iron manufactures were explained. An account was then given of the improvement of the means of communication. The progress of shipping and shipbuilding was indicated; the introduction of steam vessels, the change from wood to iron and steel shipbuilding, were explained. The manufacture of glass and the erection of earthenware works were noticed. The development of the several branches of textile manufactures were treated at length. The erection of paper works and the development of paper manufactures were described; and the progress of printing through the introduction of steam-power, machinery, and stereotyping was explained. The leather trade, and the introduction of machinery in boot and shoe making were noticed; the origin and development of several new manufactures were observed. Sugar-refining, brewing, and distilling were treated; and various chemical manufactures were briefly touched on.