Detailed Book Review: Simon Garfield's 'Mauve' Analysis

This report provides a detailed book review of 'Mauve' by Simon Garfield, focusing on the invention of the first synthetic dye. The review delves into the historical context, the scientific breakthroughs, and the impact of William Perkin's discovery on various industries, including fashion and medicine. It examines the challenges related to intellectual property and commercialization, highlighting the interplay between science and business. The report also explores the broader implications of the invention, including its influence on subsequent scientific advancements and the development of new materials. The review emphasizes the significance of Perkin's accidental discovery and its lasting impact on the world.

BOOK REVIEW

Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................1
REFERENCES................................................................................................................................3

INTRODUCTION
The first synthetic dye was discovered by a British chemist named William Perkin. His
invention was a great record which was related to manufacturing of the dye which was a great
success from commercial point of view. He had various personal qualities because of which he
made a best preparation to gain his endeavours. In Mauve, Simon Garfield has stated the story of
a beautiful invention of a colour dye. As per the story, it has been found that William founded
the way of inventing a colour mauve suddenly. While doing a treatment of malaria, he made a
dark oily precipitate which turned its colour (Garfield, 2002). The colour was very beautiful
which came out as a unique colour and became famous in the fashion houses of London and
Paris. In this book, the writer has highlighted various points which signifies different
complexities that are faced in the management of intellectual rights and making the inventions
commercialised. As per this, the book has featured various complaints that implies an ineffective
coordination between science and commercial industries.
In 1856, first synthetic paint was invented which showed up a beautiful colour. However,
this invention was accidental and founded at the time of performing a test by William to discover
the artificial version of the quinine, a treatment of malaria. The invented colour was not able to
wash the colours and implied greater brightness as compared to other colours available in the
market. Earlier, the colours was used to retrieve from insects and mollusks. In the chemistry
researches, the invention of this colour was a great success in financial terms. In addition to this,
it was also found that while making an artificial version of the quinine, he put one wrong
molecule because of which the mauve colour came out. This implies that science and inventions
are very unpredictable. Even a scientist also cannot make a right prediction about what he will
get from any experiment. After this invention, William Perkins got very famous and also earned
a huge amount of money. Besides this, he became famous as a scientific saint. This chemical was
also used to treat many sick people (Garfield, 2002). As per this, a German Bacteriologist
innovated the immunology and chemotherapy. In addition to this, German scientist became able
to discover the tuberculosis and cholera bacilli. Thus, he was responsible for all these inventions
in an indirect way.
Every evening, when Perkins used to have a walk, his way was used to be lighten by
gaslights. The gas water contains ammonia and sulphur that is used in the manufacturing of
sulphuric acid. Later on the use of coal tar was also founded to make waterproofing clothes. The
1

said chemical is a complex material and this can be sued for many uninvited substances. Thus,
the book says that there are many chemicals, metals and complex materials that have the
potential to be turned into many useful materials which is yet to be discovered.
2

REFERENCES
Journals and Books
Garfield, S., 2002. Mauve: How One Man Invented a Color That Changed the World. W.W.
Norton & Company, 2002.