John Roebuck
John Roebuck was born in Sheffield, where his father ran a prosperous manufacturing business. He attended Sheffield Grammar School before studying at Dr. Philip Doddridge's academy in Northampton. Roebuck then traveled to Edinburgh to study medicine. There he developed a taste for chemistry from lectures by William Cullen and Joseph Black. He graduated with an M.D. degree from the University of Leiden in 1742. Roebuck started medical practice in Birmingham but devoted much time to chemistry instead. His early achievements included introducing leaden condensing chambers for sulphuric acid manufacture in 1746.
The year 1746 marked a pivotal moment when John Roebuck introduced leaden condensing chambers. This invention enabled industrial-scale production of sulphuric acid. Together with Samuel Garbett, they built a factory at Prestonpans in Scotland during 1749. For some years, these partners enjoyed a monopoly on this new method. They neglected to take out patents however. Roebuck could not prevent others from using his methods once they became known. The lack of legal protection meant competitors quickly adopted the technology despite its novelty.
Ebenezer Roebuck died in 1771 during a melancholy accident while viewing the works. A huge piece of iron fell on him and killed him on the spot. Ebenezer had been a vigorous contributor to the success of the ironworks. Quality declined sharply after his death. Royal Navy contracts were cancelled in 1773 following this loss. A Royal Artillery inspection in 1774 found that Carron Guns had deteriorated through workmen carelessness. The firm lost ground significantly after Ebenezer's passing. Production standards
never recovered to their previous level.
Troubles at Carron Works and the colliery brought John Roebuck into financial difficulties. An attempt to manufacture alkali failed and aggravated existing problems. He was forced to sell his share in Watt's engine to Matthew Boulton. This transaction cancelled a debt of £1200 pounds. Roebuck gave up interest in the Bo'ness works but continued managing them. He resided at neighboring Kinneil House where he farmed on considerable scale. In 1784 he obtained a pottery from the Cadell family pursuing new
technologies. Roebuck died in Edinburgh during 1794 and was buried at Carriden Churchyard near Bo'ness.
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Common questions
When was John Roebuck born and where did he study medicine?
John Roebuck graduated with an M.D. degree from the University of Leiden in 1742 after studying at Dr. Philip Doddridge's academy in Northampton.
What invention did John Roebuck introduce to sulphuric acid manufacture in 1746?
John Roebuck introduced leaden condensing chambers for sulphuric acid manufacture in 1746 which enabled industrial-scale production of the chemical.
Who died during a melancholy accident while viewing the works in 1771?
Ebenezer Roebuck died in 1771 when a huge piece of iron fell on him and killed him on the spot while viewing the works.
Why did Royal Navy contracts get cancelled following the death of Ebenezer Roebuck?
Royal Navy contracts were cancelled in 1773 because quality declined sharply after Ebenezer Roebuck died and Carron Guns deteriorated through workmen carelessness.
Where was John Roebuck buried after he died in Edinburgh during 1794?
John Roebuck died in Edinburgh during 1794 and was buried at Carriden Churchyard near Bo'ness.