J.t. Marsh

An Introduction to the Chemistry of Cellulose J.t. Marsh

AN INTRODUCTION TO THE CHEMISTRY OF CELLULOSE by J. T. MARSH M. Originally published in 1938. FOREWORD: CELLULOSE chemistry is a subject for the scientific expert, and hence I cannot attempt to add anything to the substance of this book. It has, however, been my experience that the close correlation of science to the textile industry has already had a profound effect on its development, and that a closer bond between the two is the surest way to promote future advances. The more science is applied, the greater the number of scientific workers engaged in probing the secrets of cellulose chemistry, the brighter will be the outlook for our industry. A knowledge of the literature on the subject is of the greatest importance to the research worker the scientific journals cover a wide range of subjects, whilst patent specifications are difficult to find and to read. Those concerned with indus trial production and process control have not the time for such reading, whilst the young research worker now entering the industry finds an overwhelming mass of literature before him. This book should therefore present a very valuable introduction to the subject of cellulose chemistry, and should be of great assistance in these two cases. To those who wish to obtain a wider general knowledge of the subject it should also prove most useful. KENNETH LEE. MANCHESTER, May, 1938. PREFACE: OF making many books there is no end but we trust that no excuse is needed for the present work. The subject of cellulose chemistry is not among the simplest of studies, but the important advances of recent years have clarified it to such an extent that we feel the time is ripe for publishing a relatively simple book which may act as a guide to the younger chemists who are entering those branches of our great industries which are concerned with cellulose. It is to the ordinary chemist that we hope this elementary account will appeal for this reason we have tried to maintain some sort of balance between the descriptions of the purely scientific aspect of the subject and the practical applications. The narrative, in many cases, has a slight historical flavour in order to emphasise the course of development, but we have not adhered to the chronological sequence of description. We have given no bibliography, as the source-books and journals are mentioned as occasion arises. Our guide-book is not intended as a substitute for the original literature which should always be consulted by the student. Nevertheless, we feel that a good general knowledge should first be acquired rather than a detailed mastery of any particular section, for experience has shown that successful research need not necessarily depend on an initial deep knowledge of a subject, which is often only acquired during the actual course of research. ...