APPLIED TO DYEING.

BY

JAMES NAPIER, F. C. S.

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Illustrated by Engravings.

PHILADELPHIA:

HENRY CAREY BAIRD.

PREFACE.

Ir there be any trade which, more than another, requires the knowledge of first principles, it is that of dyeing, it being essentially progressive. The particular conditions of the trade render information of this description more needful, and therefore more valuable, than ordinary. The trade is what is termed open, so that any man may enter it; and, in consequence, there are few instances where young men are taught the business systematically. A great many enter the trade who are grown up their chief ambition being to learn the mechanical operations of the dye-house, and when sufficient dexterity in these is attained, to secure the highest rate of wages. When this is accomplished, zeal for improvement in a great measure subsides. However, there are many who, not content with acquiring a knowledge of the mere mechanical routine, desire to look deeper into the principles of the art, and aim at higher honors than those of a mere laborer in it, but who believe that the means of success consist simply in long and steady service, and a good memory for the rules of manipulation. Both of these are valuable qualifications, but neither of them would be depreciated in the slightest degree by being conjoined with a more extended knowledge of the fundamental principles of the art than usually falls to the share of the practical dyer. There is another evil arising out of this condition of the trade. Individuals who attain the position of good work

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