From Manchester to Massachusetts via Mulhouse : the transatlantic voyage of aniline black

Author

Travis, Anthony S.

Document type

Article (journal)

Language

English

Source

Technology and culture. 1994, Num. 1, Vol. 35, 70-99, 5 ill.; 1 plan

ISSN

0040-165X

Abstract (en)

The discovery of aniline black--a synthetic textile dye--dates from the end of 1859, and its decline from the 1930s, with the introduction of new blacks that were easier to apply, concern over health risks, and changing fashions. Its importance, especially in the two decades after 1860, is reflected in trade agreements, claims over priority, and lengthy litigation over patents in Europe and the USA. In this article, an account of one of these suits (MA, 1872-1876) is used to provide evidence of how aniline black first reached the USA. For more general background, the author relies on the promotional activites of, and chemists at, the main British manufacturer of the raw material after 1876, the Clayton Aniline Company Ltd. of Clayton, Manchester. In both cases, chemists from the French town of Mulhouse and its environs play important roles.

Subject (en)

• General history of art -- 1800-1945 -- Decorative arts -- Textiles and costume
• Dye
• 1800-2000
• Black
• Textiles
• Commerce
• Law
• Patents
• Manchester (GBR)
• Massachusetts (USA)
• Mulhouse (FRA)

Subject (fr)

• Histoire générale de l'art -- 1800-1945 -- Arts décoratifs -- Textiles et costume
• Teinture (substance)
• 1800-2000
• Noir (couleur)
• Textiles
• Commerce
• Loi
• Brevet
• Manchester (GBR)
• Massachusetts (USA)
• Mulhouse (FRA)

Origin

DatabaseBHA (Inist-CNRS/GRI)

Identifier19941001-00347656

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