_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.