CHAPTER VIII.

THE SCOTCH IRON MANUFACTURE—Dr. ROEBUCK—DAVID MUSHET.

Dr. Roebuck, a forgotten public benefactor

His birth and education

Begins business as a physician at Birmingham

Investigations in metallurgy

Removes to Scotland, and begins the manufacture of chemicals, &c.

Starts the Carron Iron Works, near Falkirk

His invention of refining iron in a pit-coal fire

Embarks in coal-mining at Boroughstoness

Residence at Kinneil House

Pumping-engines wanted for his colliery

Is introduced to James Watt

Progress of Watt in inventing the steam-engine

Interviews with Dr. Roebuck

Roebuck becomes a partner in the steam-engine patent

Is involved in difficulties, and eventually ruined

Advance of the Scotch iron trade

Discovery of the Black Band by David Mushet

Early career of Mushet

His laborious experiments

His inventions and discoveries in iron and steel, and death