Country Dyer's Assistant
Brookfield (Massachusetts): Printed by E. Merriam & Co. for the Author, 1798. 12mo. 165 x 100 mm. (6 3/4 x 4 inches). 139, [3], [1] pp., including index and errata leaf. Countrmporary sheep, gilt stamping on the spine; rubbed but a very nice copy. Ownership inscription of John Brown Esq. of Andover, N.H.
First edition. First manual on the art of dyeing printed in America. Ellis's work is a treasure house of information on the methods and materials required to produce colored dyes for use in the production of textiles. It is important as a document of American enterprise during the last years of 18th century and includes not only home grown recipes but also important information on British and French methods for producing color. It was printed in Western Massachusettes, center of both the woolen trand and textile manufacturing in the United States. The author states that "This publication, presented to the country dyers, is the result of twenty years practice, close study, fair trials, unwearied pains and expense." The goal is the production of "true color" for the production of high value textiles that would compete with an international trade.
Evans 33670. Rink 1837. See Jeremy David, "British Textile Transmission to the United States", Business History Review, Vol. 47, (Spring 1973), pp. 24-52. Item #277
Price: $1,250.00