154 Josiah Wedgwood CHAP. 



where it is known as cawk, heavy spar, and barytes. 

 Wedgwood had been experimenting on the mineral as 

 early as the year 1773. By successive experiments, 

 he perfected his invention. He afterwards invented 

 his "jasper-dip," in 1777, in order to economise the 

 costly use of cobalt; though by its employment, the 

 most delicate and refined effects were produced. 



Nothing can long remain secret in the potteries. 

 The workmen soon spread about any new mode of manu- 

 facture. Wedgwood preserved his secret for about 

 twelve years ; but it was at last imitated by one Turner, 

 though from different materials ; and it was in the end 

 generally adopted in Staffordshire, though with very 

 inferior results, by other manufacturers. It is rather 

 remarkable that this manufacture was carried on success- 

 fully for more than twelve years before anything of the 

 kind had been executed by any other person. Wedg- 

 wood seemed to have been more attached to this than 

 to any other part of his productions, and to have had 

 its success more thoroughly at heart ; probably from 

 the early bent of his genius, which led him to imi- 

 tate in clay whatever object happened to engage his 

 attention. He had made considerable advances in it 

 before he had access to the models still to be found 

 in modern Eome, and while he had no other assist- 

 ance than that of the artists whom he himself had 

 taught ; but when, at considerable expense, he had 

 procured copies or casts of the most celebrated bas- 

 reliefs, he made vases and other artistic works, which 



