John Roebuck facts for kids

John Roebuck (1718 – 17 July 1794) was an English inventor and businessman. He was a very important person during the Industrial Revolution. He helped create new ways to make things in large amounts.

Roebuck is especially known for his work with sulphuric acid. This acid is used in many industries. He also made big improvements in how iron was produced.

John Roebuck's Life and Discoveries

John Roebuck was born in Sheffield, England, in 1718. His father, also named John, had a successful business.

Early Life and Education

Young John went to Sheffield Grammar School. He also attended an academy run by Dr. Philip Doddridge. Later, he studied medicine at Edinburgh University. There, he became very interested in chemistry. He learned a lot from famous professors like William Cullen and Joseph Black.

In 1742, he earned his medical degree from the University of Leiden. Roebuck started working as a doctor in Birmingham. However, he spent most of his time on chemistry. He especially liked finding practical uses for chemical discoveries.

Making Sulphuric Acid

One of Roebuck's first big achievements was in 1746. He found a new way to make sulphuric acid. He used special lead chambers to condense the acid. This made it possible to produce much more acid than before.

In 1749, he teamed up with Samuel Garbett. They built a factory in Prestonpans, Scotland. For some years, they were the only ones making sulphuric acid this way. Roebuck did not get a patent for his method. This meant others could use his ideas once they became known.

Improving Iron Production

Roebuck then became interested in making iron. In 1759, he helped start the Carron Company ironworks. This was in Stirlingshire, Scotland. He worked with Garbett and other partners.

He brought in many new ideas to make iron better. One important improvement was patented in 1762. He found a way to turn rough cast iron into stronger, bendable iron. He did this using a special coal fire and a powerful blast of air.

Sadly, one of his partners, Ebenezer Roebuck, died in an accident in 1771. A large piece of iron fell on him. After his death, the quality of iron from the Carron Works went down.

Working with James Watt

Roebuck also leased a colliery (a coal mine) in Bo'ness. He needed coal for the Carron Works. But he faced a big problem: too much water in the mine. The Newcomen engine he used could not pump out all the water.

He heard about James Watt's new steam engine. Roebuck contacted Watt and believed in his invention. The engine was not perfect yet. Roebuck helped Watt improve it. He paid Watt's debts and gave him a place to work. This place was a secluded cottage near Kinneil House. Roebuck wanted to keep their work secret from other businesses.

Roebuck faced money problems because of the Carron Works and the mine. He also tried to make alkali, but that failed. He had to sell his share in Watt's engine. Matthew Boulton bought it to cancel a debt Roebuck owed him.

Even though he lost his share, Roebuck continued to manage the Bo'ness works. He lived at nearby Kinneil House. There, he also spent time farming on a large scale.

In 1784, Roebuck took over a pottery business. He continued to explore new technologies there.

Later Life and Legacy

John Roebuck passed away in Edinburgh in 1794. He was buried at Carriden Churchyard, near Bo'ness.

He was the grandfather of John Arthur Roebuck.

Honours and Affiliations

• 1764 - He became a Fellow of the Royal Society of London. This is a very respected group for scientists.

See also

• Lead chamber process