Leblancs Soda Process - The Birth of Industrial Chemistry

Leblanc s Soda Process - The Birth of Industrial Chemistry 

It is difficult to exaggerate the importance of a large-scale process for making soda from common salt. Leblanc invented his soda process in 1791, which is considered to mark the start of industrial chemical technology. He was just an inventor, not trying to make history - but he did. 

Nicolas Leblanc was born in 1742 in Ivoy le Pre, a small town in the Departement du Cher in France. As a boy of nine he was fatherless but was brought up by a friend of his father. Dr. Bien in Bourges. He was educated in medicine, qualified as a surgeon and practiced in the medical profession [11.7]. 

Leblanc began to attend the lectures, his interest for the practical applications of chemistry was strengthened and he also got to know Darcet, Berthol-let and other men with influence on science and technology. 

Nicolas Leblanc s destiny was formed by a remarkable coincidence. To earn his living he applied for a post as family doctor with the Due d Orleans and was employed in 1780. The Due was interested in his health but also in industrial development and had invested money in a sugar refinery and a cotton miU. Why not also soda manufacture After a period of introductory cooperation and complementary studies of chemistry in the College de France, Leblanc s own mind became more and more tak- 

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