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Perkin’s mauve: The history of the chemistry

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Abstract

Those of us who owe our living in part to the global dyestuff and chemical industry should pause today and remember the beginnings of this giant industry which started 150 years ago today with William Perkins’ discovery of mauveine whilst working in his home laboratory during the Easter holiday on April 28, 1856. Prior to this discovery, all textiles were dyed with natural dyestuffs and pigments.

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Suggested Reading

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Authors
  1. Andrew Filarowski
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Reproduced with permission from the author, Andrew Filarowski.

Andrew Filarowski is currently Technical Director of the Society of Dyers and Colorists, UK. He has extensive knowledge of chemistry and application of chemicals and dyes in the textile industry. In his current role he is responsibile for various SDC programes: education, training, consultancy, standard test methods and the Colour Index. The Society is an educational charity and membership body whose aim is to communicate the science of colour in a changing world.

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Filarowski, A. Perkin’s mauve: The history of the chemistry. Reson 16, 1140–1145 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12045-011-0127-8

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12045-011-0127-8

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