Mackintosh (raincoat)

However, a detailed history of the invention of the Mackintosh was published by Schurer. The essence of Macintosh's process was the sandwiching of an impermeable layer of a solution of rubber in naphtha between two layers of fabric. The naphtha was [[Distillation|distilled]] from coal tar, with the [[Bonnington Chemical Works]] being a major supplier.{{Cite journal|last=Ronalds|first=B.F.|date=2019|title=Bonnington Chemical Works (1822-1878): Pioneer Coal Tar Company|journal=International Journal for the History of Engineering & Technology|volume=89|issue=1–2|pages=73–91|doi=10.1080/17581206.2020.1787807|s2cid=221115202}} Syme did not propose the sandwich idea, and his paper did not mention waterproofing. Waterproofing garments with rubber was an old idea and was practised in [[Pre-Columbian Mexico|pre-Columbian times]] by the [[Aztec society|Aztecs]], who impregnated fabric with [[Natural rubber#Prehistoric uses|latex]]. Later French scientists made balloons gas-tight (and incidentally, impermeable) by impregnating fabric with rubber dissolved in [[turpentine]], but this solvent was not satisfactory for making apparel.{{cite journal|title=The Macintosh: The Paternity of an Invention|journal=Transactions of the Newcomen Society|volume=28|issue=1|pages=77–87|doi=10.1179/tns.1951.005|first=H|last=Schurer |date=1951 }}

However, a detailed history of the invention of the Mackintosh was published by Schurer. The essence of Macintosh's process was the sandwiching of an impermeable layer of a solution of rubber in naphtha between two layers of fabric. The naphtha was [[Distillation|distilled]] from coal tar, with the [[Bonnington Chemical Works]] being a major supplier.{{Cite journal|last=Ronalds|first=B.F.|date=2019|title=Bonnington Chemical Works (1822-1878): Pioneer Coal Tar Company|journal=International Journal for the History of Engineering & Technology|volume=89|issue=1–2|pages=73–91|doi=10.1080/17581206.2020.1787807|s2cid=221115202}} Syme did not propose the sandwich idea, and his paper did not mention waterproofing. Waterproofing garments with rubber was an old idea and was practised in [[Pre-Columbian Mexico|pre-Columbian times]] by the [[Aztec society|Aztecs]], who impregnated fabric with [[Natural rubber#Prehistoric uses|latex]]. Later French scientists made balloons gas-tight (and incidentally, impermeable) by impregnating fabric with rubber dissolved in [[turpentine]], but this solvent was not satisfactory for making apparel.{{cite journal|title=The Macintosh: The Paternity of an Invention|journal=Transactions of the Newcomen Society|volume=28|issue=1|pages=77–87|doi=10.1179/tns.1951.005|first=H|last=Schurer |date=1951 }}

In 1830 Macintosh's company merged with the clothing company of [[Thomas Hancock (inventor)|Thomas Hancock]] in [[Manchester]]. Hancock had also been experimenting with rubber coated fabrics since 1819. Production of rubberised coats soon spread across the UK. All kinds of coats were produced with rubberized material, including [[riding coat]]s and coats supplied to the [[British Army]], [[British Rail|British Railways]], and [[Law enforcement in the United Kingdom|UK police forces]].

In 1830 Macintosh's company merged with the clothing company of [[Thomas Hancock (inventor)|Thomas Hancock]] in [[Manchester]]. Hancock had also been experimenting with rubber coated fabrics since 1819. Production of rubberised coats soon spread across the UK. All kinds of coats were produced with rubberized material, including [[riding coat]]s and coats supplied to the British Army, British railways, and UK police forces.

Early coats had problems with poor smell, stiffness, and a tendency to melt in hot weather. Hancock improved his waterproof fabrics, patenting a method for [[sulfur vulcanisation|vulcanising]] rubber in 1843, solving many of the problems.{{cite news|newspaper=Belfast Telegraph|url=http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/life/return-of-the-mac-28065280.html|title=Return of the Mac|date=4 July 2008}}

Early coats had problems with poor smell, stiffness, and a tendency to melt in hot weather. Hancock improved his waterproof fabrics, patenting a method for [[sulfur vulcanisation|vulcanising]] rubber in 1843, solving many of the problems.{{cite news|newspaper=Belfast Telegraph|url=http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/life/return-of-the-mac-28065280.html|title=Return of the Mac|date=4 July 2008}}