Genre:

Abstract

Publications abstracted:

Lyon Playfair (1st Baron Playfair) North American Review

Subjects:

Industrial Chemistry, National Efficiency

    Suggests that by the 'utilisation first of sewage and then of old bones' in the production of phosphorous for matches, 'every man, woman, and child in the country saves seventy-eight hours a year, or ten working days, in the quickness with which he can strike a light'. Also notes that in 'the utilisation of waste substances it is very odd that some of the nicest things come out of the nastiest materials. For instance, fusel oil is the stinking product of the distillation of spirits. It is, however, utilised to make oil of grape and oil of cognac'.