McNairy County independent. (Selmer, McNairy County, Tenn.) 1902-1969, 1921-09-09
STUDY WAYS TO
BETTER LEATHER
Noted Chemists in Conference to
Discuss improved Processes
of Tanning.
LOWER PRICES MAY RESULT
Plan to Hasten Tanning Process With
out Sacrificing Quaiity-Proml-
nent Foreign Chemists to
Take Part In MEETING.

New York.-Shoe prices may trend
downward as result Of new proc
esses Of tanning based on studies OK
electrical discharges and other unusual
factors, which will be discussed by the
leather chemistry section of the Amer
lean Chemical society.
The notable progress made In Amer
lean tanning has gained such recogni-
lions abroad that sessions of the sec
ton will be attended by the largest
number of European leather chemists
which has ever come at one time to
the United States.
Some of these experts will also at
tend the meeting of the Society Of
Chemical Industry of Great Britain,
which, after converting with its Cana
dian section, will cross the border to
confer with its American branch and
10 hold joint session with the Amer
lean Chemical society.
The leather chemistry section of the
American Chemical society will meet
at Columbus university At its session
will be discussed revolutionary meth
DDS by which the tanning of hides can
be fastened without the sacrifice Of
quality. The saving of time and the
releasing of large sums of money from
its investment in raw material thus
would have the tendency to stabilize
and, perhaps eventually to lower
leather prices, American chemists be-
lieye.
One of the marked influences in the
sessions will be that of Alfred Sey-
mour-Jones, the first president of the
International Association of Leather
Trades Chemists. He co-operated with
Lord Allerton in forming the leather
industries department of the Univer-
sity of Leeds, long reputed to be the
greatest leather school in the world.
Foreign Chemists to Appear.
Another prominent figure in the
leather industry of Great Britain, who
will address the section, IS Joseph
rurney Wood. He is the discoverer
Of processes of tanning in which pam
creatin is used instead Of the crude
and obnoxious mixtures employed by
the old-time journeymen tanners. Mr..
Wood was the first secretary of the So
ciety Of Leather Trades Chemists.
Some of the noted foreign chemists
whose papers will be read If they can
not appear In person are Prof. H. r.
Proctor, affectionately known as the
father Of leather chemistry, who was
long identified with the University of
Leeds; DR.. e. Schell of Hayre, France,
and Fini Emma Of Copenhagen, Dem
mark.
How tanning as science has adj
sanced in-recent years is shown by the
fact that among those who are to adj
dress the leather chemistry section is
DR.. Jacques Loeb, noted American
biologist connected with the Rookie
teller Institute for Medical Research.
Original and novel methods of tan
ming based upon the studies Of cleo
tricity will be described by John Ar
thur Wilson of Milwaukee, chairman
Of the leather chemistry section. His
discoveries have been termed revolu-
tionary. His researches have shown
the reasons for the chemical changes
which take place in the tanning
process as distinguished from meth
DDS which rested merely upon ancient
traditions. Although tanning is one
of the Oldest arts in the world, it has
not come under control Of scientific re-
search to the extent that many other
industries have. 1t Is expected that
The papers of Mr.. Wilson and of other
leather chemists of the pioneer class
will cause an earnest and heated dis
cussion.
Studying Electrical Discharges.
Closely associated with Mr.. Wilson
in his investigations is Prof. Arthur w.
Thomas, who is making important
studies Of the relation of electrical dis
charges of materials used in tanning
TO the manufacture Of leather. His
laboratory is in Havemeyer hall, Co
iumbus university, where the sessions
of the leather chemistry section are
to be held. In tits unique and costly
equipment provided from a special
fund given by well-known Milwaukee
tanner. The results of these researches
are made available, however, for the
entire tanning industry.
On bench in this laboratory, occu-
plying an area of square yard, Is
what Is reputed to be the smallest
tannery In the world. With 1t compli-
Gated processes Of tanning are perfect