THE SCIENTIFIC ASPECTS OF TANNING. 79 



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By Mr. WILLIAM EVANS. 



TWO reasons have especially influenced us in preparing this 

 brief review. First, from the important position which the 

 trade now holds, and the increasing development of the same in the 

 metropolis of the west. Secondly, from the persuasion that the 

 value of any industry to the commonwealth is just in proportion 

 to the scientific knowledge which has been brought to bear on it. 

 Tanning is no exception to this rule. 



We need all the assistance that science can render us, being 

 much in the same condition as agriculture before the advent of 

 Liebig, Voelcker and Lawes. 



The tanner of 1876 occupies a very different position from his 

 predecessor of 40 years since. Previous to 1830, when the tax 

 from leather was removed, small tanyards were scattered over 

 the country, especially in districts where was a plentiful supply of 

 soft water. The trade was conducted in a very primitive style, as 

 most of the tanners in those days were ignorant of tannic, 

 gallic, catechuic or acetic acids, which chemistry has revealed to 

 the modern man. 



Anticipating our subject, the question may very naturally be 

 asked, was not the leather manufactured in those days as good 



