The commercialisation of scientific invention might be said to have been started by an 18-year-old chemistry research assistant, William Perkin. During his research to develop cheap synthetic quinine, used to fight malaria, the young chemist happened upon a black precipitate which, once treated, yielded an intense purple solution. It dyed silk a beautiful colour and was resistant to fading in light. Determined to make money from his process, Perkin patented it and put the dye on the market. Commercial success was rapid and Perkin retired aged 35 to enjoy a career of full-time research.

Inv. 1952-175