UK, 1840s -1860s: sulphuric acid manufacturers embrace, abandon Platinum

Continental-manufactured Platinum prices in the mid-1830s favored manufacturers.

For the concentration of oil of vitriol, English manufacturers took this advantage to replace glass retorts in 1835-40.  If the functional 14-year cycle of John Harrison's early platinum still was any indication, the necessity of replacing equipment and transition back to glass began c. 1850-55.  Chaotic, rising Platinum prices with new industrial demand encouraged a sulphuric acid producers switch back to glass around that time.

The approximate amount of refined Platinum in a (c.1835?) St. Rollox still by weight per Litre was 4.8325 Troy Ounces; the amount of Litres contained per Troy Ounce was 0.2069 Litres.

The approximate amount of refined Platinum in a (c.1840) St. Rollox still by weight per Litre was 4.0217 Troy Ounces; the amount of Litres contained per Troy Ounce was 0.2486 Litres.

In the USA, refined Platinum retailed at $8.-12. an ounce and ~ $ 6.5/oz by 1854.  The US price had risen erratically 200-400% since 1842.  

c. 1830? :  1 Troy Oz. Platinum (manufactured, retail) = £ 1.11

c. 1842? :  1 Troy Oz. Platinum (manufactured, retail) = £ 1.23

c. 1819? :  1 Troy Oz. Platinum (manufactured, retail) = £ 1.05

c.1843: Platinum substituted glass, in the production of sulphuric acid 

c. 1840? :  1 Troy Oz. Platinum (manufactured) ~ £ 0.90

c.1840

1862: 70% of English sulphuric acid produced in glass

1861: Use of Platinum Retorts in Lancashire "almost abandoned."

1869:Russian Platina Price, or Sellon's Purchase?



1870s: Platinum Retort manufacture continued, for Continental industry/capitalists