Lancashire Pioneers

Pioneers in the field of:

Chemistry

The following pioneers were involved in chemistry

John Mercer (1791 - 1866),  a self-taught chemist, was born and lived in Great Harwood and Clayton-le-Moors. He invented the mercerisation process for treating cotton which is still in use today and was a pioneer in colour photography.

Edmondson Spencer (1885 - 1955),  born in Colne; chemist and geologist for Bird & Co. Calcutta. In his obituary in the Colne Times 25th November 1955, it was quoted "One of the greatest scientists this country and perhaps the world has ever produced".

James Thomson (1779 - 1850),  an accomplished chemist and leading light in the calico printing industry at Primrose Mill, Clitheroe.