James Sheridan Muspratt

Muspratt, James Sheridan, an eminent chemist, was born in Dublin, 8th March 1821,. and educated in Liverpool, where his father established large chemical works. After travelling on the Continent, and managing print-works in Manchester for some years, he went to America. In 1843 he removed to Germany, and studied under Liebeg. In association with Hofmann, he discovered some of the organic bases of the coal-tar dyes. In 1848 he married Susan Cushman, the American actress, and about 1850 he established a College of Chemistry in Liverpool, which was eminently successful in training practical chemists.

Besides numerous contributions to scientific papers, he translated Plattner's Treatise on the Blowpipe, and wrote Chemistry, Theoretical, Practical, and Analytical. One of the springs at Harrogate has been called after him. He died at West Derby, near Liverpool, 3rd February 1871, aged 49. Liebig speaks of his translation of Plattner as "executed with fidelity and ability.. further enhanced by Dr. Muspratt's annotations." Professor Penny speaks of his Chemistry as "the most valuable and elaborate work of the kind in our language;" while Professor Morfit characterizes it as "the very best and most elaborate guide-book on technical chemistry."

Sources

16. Authors, Dictionary of British and American: S. Austin Allibone. 3 vols. Philadelphia, 1859-'71.

40. Biographical Division of English Cyclopaedia, with Supplement: Charles Knight, 7 vols. London, 1856-'72.

241. Men of the Time. London, 1856-'75.