Discovery of the value of flint in pottery manufacture.
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Flint |
In 1720 an accident brought about an important discovery and improvement
in pottery manufacture.
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SOURCE: Shaw, p.129
| "A mere accident
at this time (1720) caused another and important improvement. Mr. Astbury
being on a journey to London, on horseback, had arrived at Nunstable, when
he was compelled to seek a remedy for the eyes of his horse, which seemed
to be rapidly going blind.
The hostler of the tavern at which he stayed, burnt a flint stone till quite red, then he pulverised it very fine, and by blowing a little of the dust into each eye, occasioned both to discharge much matter and he greatly benefited. Mr. Astbury, having noticed the white colour of the calcined flint - the ease with which it was reduced to powder - and its clayey nature when discharged in the moisture from the horses eyes, - immediately conjectured that it might be usefully employed to render of a different colour the Pottery he made. On his return home he availed himself of his observation; and soon obtained a preference for his ware, which produced considerable advantages."
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