90 JAMES MUSPRATT 



It is interesting to notice, how ready 

 Muspratt was to undertake, and carry out 

 the inventions of others; his unfortunate 

 lawsuits prevented him devoting his own 

 thought and attention to science and re- 

 search, even if he had possessed the taste 

 and knowledge for such work, but he was 

 able to detect ability and knowledge in other 

 men, and to utilize their inventions and their 

 labours. 



In 1849, he resolved to end his troubles, 

 as far as they arose from battling with his 

 neighbours in the law courts, and to leave 

 Liverpool and Newton, and in 1850 the 

 works at Widnes and Flint were begun. A 

 time of great prosperity dawned upon the 

 alkali trade, and although when Muspratt 

 went to Widnes, it contained only from 

 between three and four thousand inhabitants, 

 yet in 1861 the population had risen to 6,905, 

 and in 1881 to 24,905, and the production of 

 the alkalies in Lancashire, were: 



In 1852. In 1872. 



Alkali 26,343 tons. 93,600 tons. 



Soda crystals 3>5OO tons. 8,840 tons. 



Bicarbonate of soda.. 1,200 tons. 11,700 tons. 



Bleaching powder ... 1,250 tons. 8,060 tons. 



