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CAMPBELL MORFIT : 1861 ORIGINAL MANUSCRIPT NOTEBOOK OF SCIENTIFIC FORMULATIONS HAND WRITTEN BY ONE OF AMERICA'S MOST DISTINGUISHED CHEMISTS, PROFESSORS, EDITORS AND AUTHORS

12mo - over 6¾" - 7¾" tall. On offer is a handwritten notebook of formulations written by one of America's foremost chemists of the 19th century. The hardbound book measures 7.5 inches by 4.5 inches and contains 112 pages. The book is about 67% complete. The cover has some wear marks and is stamped with the name of the firm. The spine of the book has broken but all pages are secure and intact. The handwriting is neat and legible. Campbell Morfit was considered one of the top chemists in the United States in the 19th century. Born in 1820, he studied chemistry and went on to become a highly regarded teacher in the field. He was a professor of Chemistry in New York, co-editor of the Encyclopedia of Chemistry and author of numerous books and articles. He co-authored a major study for the U.S. Ordinance Department on gun metal. After building a distinguished career in New York, he moved to London, England. He passed away in 1897 at the age of 78. One such book that he wrote was On the Manufacture of Soap from Red Oil and Dry Alkali 1861. This was apparently written for the New York Oleic Company and their name is stamped on the front cover. He begins: "This process, originated by Campbell Morfit, Chemist, is adapted to the use of fat acids generally and more particularly "Red Oil', as the exclusive fat-stock of soap. It is protected by patents of July 29th 1856; March 16th 1855 and three caveats of March 20th, 1861. ..."[p 3]. Over the next 80 pages, he then goes on to describe a number of chemical and manufacturing processes for the making of various types of soap. "Sal Soda The Sal Soda is intended to be the only source of the Alkali and water in some of the formulae; while in others if not lacking solely to that end does so in chief, and is only replace in part by other substances to affect the cost of the soap and the promptness of the process; as for soap of lower grades than the Favorite. The quality of the Soap is best chemically and practically when only the Red Oil and Sal Soda are used in its manufacture" [p. 14]. He includes formulae for Navy and Army soap and what he refers to as Favorite Soap. Conscious of the business applications of his work, he also includes pricing details: "This soap (Navy Soap) is quite firm the next day after being made, and hardens promptly when cut into pound blocks It's selling price is to be 7 1/2 cents per pound." [p. 29]. A historian or researcher studying the foundations of the American industrialization process would find this to be a very valuable source document and reference work. A biographer researching the people who made significant contributions to that industrialization process would likewise see this as a fine addition to the works written by and about this leading American chemist. This is an excellent example of the thoughtfulness and creativity that exemplified the tremendous expansion of industry in the United States. A researcher into the chemical industry would find this to be a fine exposition on the state of the industrial chemistry industry at this point in time and its applications to a burgeoning consumer market.. Illustr.: /. Manuscript. Book Condition: Good

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