VI

PREFACE.

procedures useless from their costliness, their uncertainty, andthe inferiority of their results,—to seleCt matter which, if notpositively valuable in itself, may be suggestive. It is hopedthat the information here collected, from sources rare and noteasily accessible, may not be without its value.

At the same time this book will not be found a mere compila-tion of matter which already exists in print. The author hasbeen fortunate in obtaining the aCtive co-operation of some ofthe highest practical authorities in dyeing, printing, and themanufacture of colours, and the work has been largely enrichedby their suggestions and the results of their experimental re-searches. The kindness in this respeCt of Mr. S. Barlow,the late lamented Dr. F. Crace-Calvert, Mr. Dale, Mr. J.Higgin, Dr. R. Angus Smith, Dr. Schunck, of Manchester,and Mr. W. H. Perkin, of London, cannot be too warmlyacknowledged. The author has also the pleasure of expressinghis obligations to Messrs. Brooke, Simpson, and Spiller, toMessrs. W. Crum and Co., the late Mr. J. Ligiitfoot, withhis successors, Messrs. Grafton and Co., and Messrs. Woodand Wright, for important information furnished, and for patternsof dyed and printed fabrics supplied.

None can be more fully sensible than the author of the diffi-culty of doing justice to a subject so vast, so complicated, andso rapid in its growth; but he sincerely trusts that, howevermuch his work fall short of perfection, it may still point outremunerative fields of research to the student, and assist in thedevelopment of British industry.