John Roebuck

John Roebuck was born in Sheffield in 1718. After studying at Edinburgh he became a physician. He moved to Birmingham where he set up a scientific laboratory. His research led to improvements in methods of refining precious metals and in the production of chemicals. Roebuck developed diluted acid which replaced sour milk as a means of bleaching cloth.

In 1760 Roebuck founded the Carron Ironworks near Falkirk in Scotland. He also purchased nearby coal mines to provide fuel for his ironworks. The mines suffered from severe flooding and he recruited James Watt to help him build an engine to pump out the water. The two men went into partnership but Roebuck was badly hit by the economic depression in 1772 and the following year became bankrupt. John Roebuck died in 1794.

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