Contents: Introduction: short biography and emergence of the civil scientist; The influence of Graham, Liebig and Playfair on Robert Angus Smith; Robert Angus Smith’s Manchester; Sanitary science, disinfectants and ’acid rain’; Nuisance vapours, ’the monster nuisance of all’ and their legal challenge; The ’civil scientist’ in action; Extension of regulation from the 1870s and increasing health concerns; Robert Angus Smith’s legacy; Epilogue; Bibliographies; Index.
An independent historian, Peter Reed has spoken widely on nineteenth-century science and technology, in particular chemistry, chemical technology, the environment and early chemical dictionaries. It was while working for National Museums and Galleries on Merseyside that his interest in industrial archaeology and history began. He is an active member of the Royal Society of Chemistry Historical Group, Society for the History of Alchemy and Chemistry and Newcomen Society.
’The focus on the life and works of a single individual makes the book accessible ...A wide range of readers should find this book a useful and interesting read.’ Environmental Chemistry Group Bulletin ’The book will have wide appeal, but I particularly recommend it to those interested in the history of the chemical industry or the history of environmentalism.’ Chemistry World ’This book ably succeeds in providing an in-depth analysis of Robert Angus Smith’s crucial role in developing the regulation of air pollution in Britain... It will be of interest to all historians of nineteenth-century science, technology and industry... Its broader appeal to those interested in environmental concerns is highlighted anecdotally by the number of people who on enquiring about the book I was reading, eagerly wanted to find out more about the man who first used the phrase ’acid rain’. There aren’t many books on nineteenth-century chemistry that I read which provoke such an enthusiastic response!’ Royal Society of Chemistry Historical Group
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