Chapter I: Preface

The aim of the following handbook is two-fold; to give, in a compendious form, such a summary of our scientific knowledge as may be useful to the practical tanner; and such a sketch of manufacturing processes as may enable the chemist to apply his knowledge to their improvement. Each may, therefore, find some superfluous matter, for which his indulgence is asked. The book is an expansion of a short article which appeared in Spons' 'Encyclopædia of the Industrial Arts,' and to some extent still bears traces of its origin; and, having been written under stress of limited leisure, and defective eyesight, is very far from being so perfect as I should desire. For the sake of completeness it has been necessary to describe many processes which are outside the range of my own manufacturing experience, and in doing so I have generally referred to the sources of my information. Chapters III. and XXIV. are written by Mr. C. G. Warnford Lock, to whose kind assistance I am much indebted. It may be well to state in conclusion, that while the work is not intended for a cram-book for technical students, it is hoped that it may be an assistance to teachers of the subject.

HENRY R. PROCTER.

Tynemouth,
_August 1885_.

CONTENTS.

PAGE

INTRODUCTORY NOTE 1

CHAPTER I.

Anatomical Structure of Hide 2

CHAPTER II.

Chemical Composition of Hide 17

CHAPTER III.

Commercial Tanning Materials 23

CHAPTER IV.

The Chemistry of Tannins 57

CHAPTER V.

Water as used in Tanning 83

CHAPTER VI.

Methods of Chemical Analysis for the Tannery 90

CHAPTER VII.

Sole-leather:--Preparing the Hides 132

CHAPTER VIII.

Sole-leather:--Unhairing Hides 139

CHAPTER IX.

Sole-leather:--Tanning Materials 157

CHAPTER X.

Sole-leather:--Treatment in the Tan-house 169

CHAPTER XI.

Sole-leather:--Treatment in the Shed 179

CHAPTER XII.

Dressing Leather 184

CHAPTER XIII.

Currying 193

CHAPTER XIV.

Enamelled, Patent, or Japanned Leather 203

CHAPTER XV.

Morocco Leather 206

CHAPTER XVI.

Russia Leather 208

CHAPTER XVII.

Chamois or Wash-leather 210

CHAPTER XVIII.

Crown Leather, or Preller's Leather 213

CHAPTER XIX.

Mineral-tanned Leather 218

CHAPTER XX.

Calf-Kid 223

CHAPTER XXI.

Glove-Kid 225

CHAPTER XXII.

Construction and Maintenance of Tanneries 231

CHAPTER XXIII.

Drying-sheds for Leather 243