June, 1928
ISDUSTRIAL A S D ESGI.VEERIil'G CHEMISTRY
diffusing back from the aspirator into the P20stube serving as a moisture detector. The potash bulbs and U-tube containing the drier were immersed (up to their outlet tubes) in a water bath maintained a t 25.0 * 0.1" C. The thermometer was checked a t 25" C. against a standard thermometer. Experimental The drier tube and P205tube were each weighed by counterpoise against similar tubes before being connected in the set-up, and the apparatus was then tested to make certain of no leaks. The potash bulbs (saturators) and U-tube containing the drier were allowed to stand in the thermostat until their temperature was 25" C. A current of air was then drawn through the apparatus a t the rate of 2 liters per hour. The flowmeter was not used t o measure the rate of flow after the first one or two runs, since it was found that a fairly uniform rate could be maintained by observing the rate of flow of water from the aspirator bottle, and with the advantage that the apparatus upon stopping the air current reached a pressure equilibrium much more quickly than it would with the flowmeter in series. The exact volume of air drawn through the apparatus was obtained by measuring the water from the aspirator in a volumetric flask, the time required to fill the flask being noted. From time to time the air current mas stopped, and the drier tube and first PzOj tube were weighed (by counterpoise). After the P20j tube shoTved the first gain in weight, the run was continued a while and then final weights on the drier tube and P206tube were obtained. The results are recorded in the acconipany-
637
ing table. The average per cent saturation of the air during the runs was about 95 a t 25" C., as calculated from the increase in weight of the absorption tubes per measured volume of air drawn through them. Pumice-Mg(ClO& Granules Used in Desiccator Twenty-one grams of the 10- to 20-mesh granules of pumice impregnated with anhydrous magnesium perchlorate were placed in an ordinary desiccator and used in obtaining the constant weights of porcelain, silica, and platinum crucibles. In each case the crucible was heated over the blast lamp 10 minutes, cooled in the desiccator 20 minutes, weighed, reheated 10 minutes, etc. All meighings after the first 10 minutes' heating showed constant weights of the crucibles. Experimental Results HEIGHT WEIGHT OFABSORBENT
OF
MgR U N (C10dza
Grams
1
1.87
2
2.64
3
1.25
4
2.46 0
Weight
COLUMN
Cm. 5
SIZE
TOTALAIR WATER DRAWN AB-
THROUGH G R A N - APPAULES RATUS
SORBED
Mesh
Grams
OF
BY
DRIER
Lilevs
10-20
2 27 37 50 60 5 10-20 10 28 46 49 30 10-20 10 20 25 5 20-30 10 20 30 of Mg(C10d)z impregnated in
0.0424 0.5924 0.8167 1,1082 1.2520 0.2038 0.5574 0.9080
WATER RATIO UNAB- WT. Hz0 SORBED ___BY Wt. MgDRIER (clo4)z
Gram 0.0000
0.0000 0.0003 0.0018 0.0816 0.0000 0.0000 0.0028 ... 0.0031 0.2112 0.0000 0.4198 0.0000 0.4652 0.0645 0.2082 0,0000 0.4268 0.0000 0.6614 0.0032 absorbent granules.
0.32 0.44 0.59 0.21 0.34 0.34
0.18 0.26
Changes in the Chemical Industry during the Past Twenty-five Years' Anna Hazel Swift CHEMICAL DIVISIOS,B U R E A UO F FOREIGS A N D DOXESTIC COMMERCE, WASHINGTON, D.
HE American chemical industry has developed from a position of minor to major n-orld importance during the past twenty-five years. ,4t present the United States possesses the largest chemical industry in the world. Its production exceeds $2,275,000,000 and over 90 per cent of its consumption is of domestic origin. A yital factor in this deyelopment is the increasing cooperation between science with a creative vision and aggressive courageous capital. A rapid expansion in other large domestic manufacturing industries, which are large consumers of chemicals for the fulfilment of the diversified demands of an increased population, is a cause contributory to the growth of the chemical business. The prosperous condition of the majority of the inhabitants, with a greater purchasing power, created a new market for many of the higher processed fine chemicals, the productions of the medicinal, pharmaceutical, and toilet preparations industries. The term "chemicals and allied products" may have a very limited or equally broad meaning. I n this discussion it is used to include naval stores, pigments, paints and varnishes, crude drugs, essential oils, linseed and China wood oils, beeswax and other animal and vegetable waxes, medicinal, pharmaceutical, and toilet preparations, industrial chemicals, explosives, matches, pyroxylin products, fertilizers, and coal-tar products. The world changes almost overnight and a thriving industry of today may be on the wane tomorrow. This is par* Received March 16, 1928.
T
c.
ticularly true of many branches of the chemical industry and the scientist must watch the new products of competitors at home and abroad and consider the possible effects on his pet and private specialties. The sodium nitrate industry is an excellent example of this. Recall the consternation caused by the first commercial production of synthetic sodium nitrate in Germany with the subsequent effect on the longestablished Chilean nitrate industry. A scientist must also be prepared, not only to fight for the existence and continued use of his commodities, but also to develop new uses for them. He cannot afford to lose an opportunity for the creation of new commodities, neither can he overlook the possibilities of the development of newer and cheaper methods of manufacture of the already successful articles. As the result of price and t h e dependency upon foreign countries for many ram materials, new substitute commodities are often brought into commercial existence. The growth of the rayon industry, founded upon chemical processes, illustrates this point. Frequently the element of time forces the manufacturer and consumer to seek substitutes. It \vas chiefly the result of the length of time involved to complete a satisfactory varnish job that cellulose-base lacquers came into importance. The quick method of application, the short time required in drying, and the beautiful colors assured their prompt popularity. There is a greater field than eve; before for scientists with
INDUSTRIAL LVD E,VGINEERISG CHEMISTRY
658
the ability to follow present-day economics, and the trend of the day towards a more wide-spread interest in scientific research favors him. Public interest has already been aroused, and editors of daily, weekly, and monthly publications of a non-scientific nature are quick to seize the opportunity to publish more and more news on recent trends or discoveries in the chemical industry. Despite its large production, the United States cannot exist without imports of certain commodities from other countries. It is the largest importer of chemicals and allied products. This country is also dependent to a growing degree upon foreign markets and a t present is the second largest world exporter of chemicals and allied materials. Values give an inaccurate picture of the advance in the chemical industry; yet it is impossible to procure a common unit of quantity because of the very divergence in commodities included. For example, a ton of fertilizer can scarcely be compared with an ounce of perfume. The best general idea of the consumption of chemicals can be procured from Table I. Table I-Total
h-aval stores, paints a n d varnishes: Rosin and turpentine Pigments, paints, varnishes Coal-tar products: Dyes a n d other finished Crude drugs, essential oi!s, waxes: Essential oils Explosives, pyroxylin, matches: Explosives Matches Fertilizers .~ Industrial chemicals Medicinal a n d toilet preparations: Prepared medicinesb Toilet .~ preparations ~
~~
~~~~~
TOTAL a Source: production, Bureau
than in 1899, although values are double. The United States furnishes approximately two-thirds of the total world consumption of rosin and turpentine. A good share of this production is exported and is sent to practically all countries, with industrial Europe the best market. Imports of naval stores are negligible, but we import all the varnish gums as well as those for pharmaceutical, food, an? in ’ustrial uses. Varnish gums constitute the bulk of these imports. Camphor was formerly obtained entirely from Japan, but now the synthetic commodity is coming from Germany. Imports of the synthetic variety alone during the past few years have considerably exceeded the total imports of the natural gum in 1899. New uses for this article in old industries and its adoption for newer branches are directly responsible for the large importations of the crude, refined, and synthetic camphor of the present day. The paint and varnish industry, closely allied to the naval stores, has had a satisfactory expansion during the last twenty-five years, although prices have so changed as to make any exact statement misleading. However, the big
C h e m i c a l P r o d u c t i o n , I m p o r t s , a n d E x p o r t s in 1899, 1914. a n d 1927a ( I n millions of dollars) PRODUCTION
CHEMICAL
Vol. 20, S o . 6
1899
1914
1925
90 20 70 1
168 21 147 13
59 0.7 25 17 6 53 55 89 59 7 372
ii4
528 46 482 112 62 307 6 132 70 24 235 49 1 473 175 150 2278
...
2 63 41 13 176 177 167 102 17 878
I 1
EXPORTS 1899
1913
12 10 2
34 26
.. ..
2 0.2 0.5 0.2 0.1
7 8
1
3 2.7 0.3 32 5
8 0.1 ..
4 0.7 4 3 0.1 12 16 9 7 2 79 1
1927 56 34 21 17 5.5 7 2 5 2.5 0.1 18 50 39 1% 9 182
I 1
IMPORTS 1899
1913
1927
7
12
30
1 5 4.5 8.5 2 0.5
2 15 10 14
..
j
0 :1 6 20 1 0.9 0.5 48
...
5 2 0.5 0.7 43 31 7 5 2 124
...
4 24 6.5 36 6 5 0.1 2.2 63 29 12 5 7 199
of t h e Census; exports and imports, Commerce a n d Navigations of the United States, Bureau of Foreign and Domestic
Commerce. b “Prepared medicines” also includes such compounds as insecticides, fire exting:iishing compounds, deodorants, and similar preparations in 1899 a n d in 1914 b u t not in 1925.
Figures are given for 1899; 1914, the last pre-war census; production figures for 1925, which is the latest year for which they are available; and 1927, for foreign trade. From 1899 to 1925 makes the twenty-five year period which we are discussing. However, on going back to the preceding census one would find a substantial gain even in that period. During the period 1899 to 1914 the industry more than doubled and not because of rise in price. All the branches shared in this expansion, as will be seen from the table. KO discussion of the abnormal war period, with its excessive demands for explosives and war-time chemicals, and the subsequent slump is necessary. By 1925 the country was back to normal, as reflected by expansion in the chemical industry. To be sure, part of the increase is attributable to higher prices for some but not all commodities, but the real expansion is due to reasons stated above A detailed history of all the events contributing to the development of the American chemical industry, such as the impetus given to the infant dye industry in 1914 by the cessation of foreign dyes and the remarkable expansion in the new pyroxylin industry, cannot be given here. Table 11,however, gives reassurance that the American chemical industry does not owe its growth to the World War alone. Naval Stores and Paints The naval stores industry, although one of the o1dest:of American industries with exports recorded for more than one hundred years, has failed to keep pace with other branches of the chemical industry. Production of rosin is actually less
improvement is evident from the figures, which rose from around $75,000,000 in 1899 to nearly $500,000,000 in 1923. The advertising campaigns have done much to further consumption of these essential commodities. The success of American manufacturers in making highquality goods is shown by the volume of its foreign sales, which are world-wide. I n 1899 the United States was still buying paints and varnishes, half a million dollars worth of varnishes alone having been imported that year. Now its imports are mainly the pigments, ochers, iron oxide, siennas of a grade not procurable locally. Coal-Tar Products To some American scientists, as well as the general public, the mere mention of “coal-tar” means dyes and recalls all kinds of memories, both pleasant and unpleasant. However. solvents, medicines, perfumes, and flavors of coal-tar origin have all assumed important places in this field. That American production succeeded in this venture during the past ten or fifteen years is evidenced by the total value of over $100,000,000 in 1925, nearly two-thirds of which was comprised of the finished products. Foreign trade statistics of this industry illustrate one of the outstanding changes in the chemical industry. Back in 1899, for example, besides buying nearly $5,000,000 worth of coaltar colors and dyes, the United States also imported almost $2,000,000 worth of indigo, over three-quarters of which was the natural indigo from British India. By 1913, although still importing over $1,100,000, more than nine-tenths was
I,VDL'STRIAL A N D ENGI,VEERING CHEMISTRY
June, 1928
T a b l e 11-Imports
of C h e m i c a l s a n d Allied P r o d u c t s A c c o r d i n g t o K i n d i n 1899, 1913, a n d 1927 QL7.4STITS
COMYODITS Crude commodities: China wood oil Vegetable wax LogmTood a n d other dye woods G u m s a n d resins Crude drugs Essential oils, except lemon and orange Iodine. crude Argols' Sodium nitrate a n d potash fertilizers Quinine sulfate a n d alkaloids All other Supplementary commodities: Bones Gelatin, inedible Casein Beeswax Pyrites Creosote oil White arsenic Glycerol All other chemicals: Glue T a r , pitch, turpentine Lemon oil Orange oil Natural dye extracts Indigo hfatches Pyroxylin Coal-tar products: Crudes Acids Intermediates Medicinals Colors, dyes, stains Other finished coal-tar products Medicinal preparations Acids: Oxalic All other Alcohols Ammoniuni chloride Other ammonium compouuda Bleaching powder Citrate of lime Potassium compounds: Carbonate Cyanide Hydroxide Strate Chlorate Other Sodium compounds: Hydroxide Cyanide Sal soda Soda ash Other Sulfur a n d sulfur ore Pigments, paints, varnishes Ammonium sulfate Other fertilizers Fulminates, azides, etc Perfumery a n d toilet preparations All other industrial chemicdl> All other
659
1899
370 68,816 102,352 23,300 1705 3,9786
(1000 LBS.)
1913
1927
49,000 5,653 41a
89,650 10,150 32a 124,832 116,656 4,956 926 24,906 1,408a 3,148b
109,178 33 1 29,479 1,291a 3,186b
-
15,6fi5
34,414
139 112 2,067 24 209 5,041 251= 95,915c 25,034 23,053
5,358
6,550
9,194
237 52 3,281 3,127
381 80 9,481 7,713
400 204 275
8,155
819 1,768 130 5,497 46
1,170 R,806 829
432
69,806~
5,227
113,107
10" 2,808 39,828
8,136
1,844 111,169
10,408
14.278 l ? 987 2,712 166
75,276 5,446 22,239 1,009 8,897 6a 5,282
32,559 2 079 984a 51a
1190
TOTALS:
Crudes Supplementary All other GRAHDTOTAL
4a
13 392 10,108
769 5,506 3,966 1,437 1,914 3,565 949 705 110
1913
1927
2,734 1,146 533 9,886 2,164 4,040 740 2,622 31,410 563
11,810 2,627 578 26,030 8,872 5,231 2,901 2,289 46,030 1,208 9,035d
886 315 649 254
1,760 1,181 3,120 1,635 648 15,381 922 3,889
3,711 1,024
4,252
479 9 186 68 243 1,699 129 250
728 25 746 155 365 1,103 730 295
58
1,275 675 570
4,500
731 350 723 495 131 2,217 2,715
8 922 4,187 407 742 1,184 505
1,159
410 174 893
614 761 684 147 344 291 464
2 52
18,405 4.225 45.444 23,891 123"
1 3 192 340 14 762
1899
17a 440"
21 311 317 3,341 1,285 1,492 110 51: 10,308 18,106 1,839 28,209 48.154
914 120 1,027 277 6,182 86 2,883 99 1,669 830 509 523 76 17 619 70 916 228 406 557 2,604
335 4,478 2,144 3,655 6,319 581 1,874 12,658 55 839 10,067 57,955 123.860
-
1,756
....
2,124 780 12,018 163 2,715 4,966 1,1808 116,611 28,526 53,766 198.903
Unit, 1000 tons. b C n i t , 1000 ounces. c Unit, 1000 gallons. d "All other" includes: menthol, $1,332,000; tartaric acid, $644,000; cobalt oxide, $704,000; radium salts, 5394,000; mineral-earth pigments, $1,631,000; a n d perfume materials, $4,330,000. e Divided a s follows: licorice extract, $162,900; linseed oil, 677,000; agar-agar, S230,OOO; borium compounds, $239,000; calcium carbide, $171,000; copper sulfate $89,000; a n d magnesium compounds, $212,000. 4
the synthetic form from Germany. In 1926 only yery small amounts were imported, about 1600 pounds of the synthetic and 300 of the natural. The United States is now a large exporter of synthetic indigo and other coal-tar dyes and competes successfully with the Far East, one of the largest world markets for dyes because of its enormous manufacture and consumption of cotton goods. However, notwithstanding its large production and exportation, the United States is importing extensive amounts of high-priced specialty dyes not made in the country. Crude Drugs and Botanicals, Essential Oils, and Waxes
In this category are included many miscellaneous crude and semi-manufactured articles for consumption of American business. Unfortunately, the nature of these crudes precludes
any complete statistics. Numerous farmers gather crude drugs and waxes, and distil oils, figures for which are never procured by the Bureau of the Census. Tables, however, show the rise in this industry along with others. Essential oils show a continued expanding demand by bakeries and manufacturers of flavoring extracts and of medicinal, pharmaceutical, and toilet preparations. Many of the commodities included in this group are not indigenous to the United States, and must be imported in amounts sufficient t o provide the needs of American consuming industries. Most important, perhaps, are pyrethrum flowers for use of insecticide manufacturers; licorice root for medicinal and flavoring purposes, especially for flavoring tobacco; beeswax and vegetable wax for the toilet preparations industry.
660
I X D USTRIAL A S D EXGILVEERISG CHE;VISTR Y
In 1899 the United States was buying all its lemon and orange oil from Italy, France, and other southern European countries. Now, although still a customer for these, it is also making considerable amounts and selling some to the United Kingdom and other countries. However, the expansion in the export trade from approximately $200,000 in 1899 to $2,000,000 in 1927, lies mainly in foreign sales of peppermint, spearmint, wormwood, and similar oils. For many years the United States has been one of the most important world distillers of peppermint oil, and even in 1899, 117,000 pounds were exported. Explosives, Pyroxylin, Matches
Despite the tremendously increased consumption of matches, production has not gained at quite the same rate as imports, which have advanced from $100,000 to more than 12,000,000. With the building of better and more roads brought about by the appearance of the automobile, and with the expansion in mining, demand for explosives made big strides, until the production more than trebled in 1925. Exports fluctuate somewhat. I n 1899 sales were small, but by 1913 the export trade had assumed fair proportions. During the war naturally they reached almost untold heights. Then came the reaction, although the demand for mining purposes and road building in hlexico, and in Central and South America brought up the foreign sales, but not to the 1913 figure. With explosives and matches are also included pyroxylin plastics, another industry to have reached remarkable proportions, with the probability of attaining much greater value in the next few years, when the numerous articles of commerce from dishes and other household necessities to j eivelry are considered. Fertilizers
Fertilizer consumption has increased generally throughout the world with the spread of knowledge that more generous use of fertilizer brings about heavier and better crops. Therefore, production, imports, and exports in the last few years have been far in excess of earlier years. Notwithstanding the importance of agriculture to this country, production has not gained so rapidly as other branches of industry, and farmers are not yet using so much fertilizer in proportion as other consumers are using chemicals. From 1914 to 1925 production did not gain so rapidly as in the interval from 1899 to 1914. Except for phosphate rock and ammonium sulfate, the United States has not reached a conspicuous place in the work as a supplier; yet it is steadily increasing its foreign markets. Here again is another instance of transition as will be seen from Table 11. Ammonium sulfate was imported to the extent of 54,000 tons in 1913. I n 1927, 17,000 tons were received, but not until the last quarter of the year did the United States again start importing this commodity in any great amount. During the period 1913 to 1927 the United States became a large exporter of ammonium sulfate, with 141,000 tons shipped to the Far East and other foreign countries in 1927. Sodium nitrate is the largest single chemical commodity imported into the United States. It accounted for 15 per cent of all chemicals imported in 1927 and 20 per cent in 1926. This country is the largest world consumer of this essential commodity and must import it under present conditions. Potash likewise must be imported from France and Germany in extensive amounts and in 1927, 623,000 tons were purchased from abroad.
Vol. 20, No. 6
Industrial Chemicals
Industrial chemicals represent the greatest and most important development, from $55,000,000in 1899 to $177,000,000 in 1914, and then to $473,000,000 in 1925. Many branches are again included here, such as acids, sodium and potassium compounds, all the miscellaneous industrial chemicals, industrial specialties, and sulfur. Sulfur was imported in 1899 to the extent of over 400,000 tons, valued a t $3,300,000, but by 1913 this figure had dwindled considerably as a result of the operation of the American sulfur mines. I n 1927 practically very little was received, since long before then the United States had become the world's largest exporter of sulfur. In 1927 more than 800,000 tons, valued a t $16,270,000, were shipped to foreign countries. The United States has also turned from an importer to an exporter of many other chemicals, a few being caustic soda, sal soda, soda ash, and bleaching powder. Chemical specialties, insecticides, fungicides, etc., gases, packaged goods, and a long list of others contribute to the $50,000,000 worth of industrial chemicals exported. On the other hand, there are many industrial chemicals which the United States may continue to import for some time. Medicinal and Toilet Preparations
The many more millions of people, a greater purchasing power of the majority, and the higher standard of living in 1927 even than in 1914, and especially as compared with 1899, are the outstanding explanations for the tremendous gains in the medicinal and toilet preparations groups. Advertising in many forms has aided here with pleas to improve one's health and one's personal appearance. It is no longer considered fashionable to be ill nor hardly possible economically; therefore consumption of all kinds of medicines, either of the prepared and proprietary nature or by prescription, is much greater than a quarter-century ago, and production has made considerable strides to around $300,000,000 a year. There is a more general use of all lines of toilet goods by both men and women. Dentifrices, shaving creams, shaving powders and lotions, face and bath powders, creams, rouges, hair tonics, and numerous similar items are daily necessities, so that the growth from $7,000,000 to $l5O,OOc',OOO is not surprising. The reputation of American dentifrices and prepared medicines, as well as all medicinal and toilet preparations, as highquality goods is shown by their spread throughout the world to an exportation of nearly $30,000,000 in 1927. I n this connection it is well to recall the remarkable expansion since 1923 in foreign sales of American antitoxins, serums, and vaccines to nearly 82,000,000 in 1927. With usual American eagerness to try new things, especially with the science of the Old World back of them, the United States also purchases some medicinal and pharmaceutical specialties. Of importance in this group is the importation of quinine sulfate amounting to around $700,000. Of importations of toilet preparations, perfume materials for use of American manufacturers lead and represent an almost entirely new importation since 1899. With the growth of the perfumery and toilet preparations industry American manufacturers must seek some of their basic requirements. such as enfleurage, floral essences and concretes, and musk, from the chief base of supply, France. Classification of Imports
Since the close of the World War much has been published both on this continent and in Europe on the expansion of the United States exports of chemicals and allied products and
June. 1928
IAVDCSTRIALA S D ESGIAVEERISG CHEMISTRY
little has been said about imports. By referring to the accompanying tables, hoFerer, one readily sees that the trend of the imports has also been upward. I n order to emphasize the number and amounts of chemicals the United States is likely to continue to purchase from foreign countries, the items have been arranged in Table I1 according to those crude commodities not indigenous to the United States which reached over $116,611,000 in 1927 as compared n-ith $18,106,000 in 1899; according to commodities. although produced in the United States, yet not in amounts sufficient to fill consumption, which accounted for another 628,526,000; and all other chemicals, including dyes, amounting to $53,766,000. This last group is made up of all those commodities which could be manufactured in the country were conditions favorable. Some of them are made by American concerns operating in foreign countries. Foreign Trade According to Countries In 1927 the United States bought $75,000,000 more of chemicals and allied products from foreign countries than it did in 1913, and $150,000,000 more than in 1899. To be sure, it also sold to foreign countries over $100,000,000 more than it sold in 1913, and $150,000,000 more than in 1899. Emom-Industrial Europe, with its dense population, is both the best market and the most important source of supply for American chemicals and allied products. The trade in both directions shows a healthy growth, increasing a t about the same rate from 1899 to 1913. Exports to and imports from Europe in 1913 each doubled the 1899 figure, but between 1913 and 1926, the latest year for which figures by countries are arailable, neither expanded to such an extent, exports, however, showed a larger gain-40 per cent-than imports, which gained only 20 per cent. I n 1926 the United States actually bought $12,000,000 more chemicals from Europe than it did in 1913, the last pre-war year. This is explainable by its needs for such important crude materials as creosote oil from England, Belgium, and the Xetherlands for use as a wood preservative; of glycerol from France and Germany and other European countries for use in maiiy American industries, a few of which are: argols or crude potassium bitartrate for manufacture of baking powder and similar preparations from Italy; potash from France and Germany for fertilizer manufacturers; iron oxide pigments from Spain and Italy for the paint industry; and the essential oils and perfume materials for use of flavoring extract, medicinal, and toilet preparations industries from France, Italy, Spain, and other southern European countries. Germany was the outstanding importer in 1926, surpassed only by Chile which ships huge amounts of sodium nitrate. Although the 1926 total imports from Germany did not quite reach the value for 1913, it was more than double the 1899 figure. France supplanted the United Kingdom as the second largest European importer, with sales to the United States nearly double those of prewar years. Because of generally unfavorable economic conditions in the United Kingdom, due in part to labor difficulties, its share fell somewhat both from the immediately preceding year, 1925, and from 1913. Europe not only exports to the United States on an extensiw scale but looks to this country for some of its important chemical requisites of a crude and semi-manufactured character. These include rosin, turpentine, sulfur, phosphate rock, and sodas, as well as such highly processed materials as prepared medicines, toilet preparations, insecticides, paints and Tarnishes, dyes, essential oils, etc. The United Kingdom is the largest single market in the world for the United States chemicals, purchasing some of all
661
the commodities but the largest of naval stores, sulfur, prepared medicines, carbon black, and peppermint oil. Sales t o this country hare shonm a steady advance throughout the last twenty-five years. Germany is the second largest exporter in Europe and is surpassed only by the United Kingdom and Canada in the world trade. Its purchases are much the same as those of the United Kingdom. T a b l e 111-Total E x p o r t s of C h e m i c a l s a n d Allied P r o d u c t s t o L e a d i n g C o u n t r i e s in 1899, 1913, a n d 1926 (In millions of dollars) ~
Co u x T R Y
Europe: Belgium Denmark France Germany Italy h-et herlands Spain Sweden United Kinadom Central and N o r t h America a n d West Indies: Canada Panama Mexico British West Indies Cuba S o u t h America: Argentina Brazil Chile Colombia Peru Venezuela F a r East: British India China Netherlands E a s t Indies Hongkong Japan Philippines Australia New Zealand Africa: Union South Africa
EXPORTS 1899
1013
4.5
18.3 8.9 1.3 2.5 0.4
2.3 0.0 1.0 0.3
0.5 1.9
0.4 0.6
0.1 0.2 0.1 0.2
IMPORTS
1926
1899
46.8 25.4 1.0 6.9 1.1 3.5 8.8 8.1 20.5 2.8 6.6 2.3 4.7 0.7 1.8 0.6 3.1 0.5 1.7 0.4 1.2
2.2 0.8
..I.
0.2
0.4 0.08
8.8 4.0 0.9 0.1 0.1 0.4 0.002 0.6 0.9 0.1 0.04
1913
6.0 3 6 0.03 0.5 1.3 0.2
1926
14.1 10 8 ~~
0.04 1.3 0.6 0.5
16.1 43.0 4.0 14.6 3.5 9.4 0.4 3.7 0.3 1.2 2.2 9.0 0.02 0.2 0.1 0.2 1.3 1.0 0.8 1.3 0.07 0.1
Table I11 shows the exports and imports of the other leading countries of Europe for the years 1899, 1913, and 1926. CENTRAL A S D NORTH 8 M E R I C A ,4KD TTEST INDIESI n this geographic region, including all our neighboring countries, exports considerably exceed imports, as might be expected. Canada is the outstanding country both as a market and as a source of supply. Both exports and imports in 1927 far outstripped those of either pre-war or of 1899 owing to its development both industrially and commercially. It is a good customer for all commodities. In general, the other countries in this group purchase small amounts of practically every chemical, with the larger sales confined to finished products, as would be expected from their agricultural and tropical nature. They afford especially good outlets for medicinal and toilet preparations. SOUTHAIIERICA--.~Sstated before, because of Chile’s possession of the natural sodium nitrate industry and the important amounts consumed by American industries, imports from South America more than double exports to this section. However, aside from the nitrates, imports from there are comparatively small, less than $10,000,000, primarily comprised of vegetable wax, casein, and animal byproducts in general. Exports, although double the 1913 figure, are not so large as they might be considering the amounts consumed by this continent. Prepared medicines, toilet preparations, paints and varnishes of the fine chemicals, caustic soda for use of soap makers, and sulfur constitute the greater parts of sales to this continent. Brazil is the largest consumer, followed by Colombia. FAREAST-Imports into the United States from the Far
662
ISDUSTRIAL A S D E,VGINEERISG CHEMISTRY
East surpass exports to this region, although by less than %4,000,000in 1926. The trade in both directions has jumped, imports rising from $8,800,000 in 1899 to S16,000,000 in 1913, and $43,000,000 in 1926. Again a few commodities needed by American industry account for the changes. Partially offsetting the indigo imported from British India in 1899, exceedingly large amounts of shellac are now taken annually by the United States. From China direct and by trans-shipment through Hongkong, the United States receives exceptionally big consignments of China wood oil for use of paint manufacturers, while camphor and menthol are the chief items purchased from Japan. The large increase in exports t o the Far East-from $3,000,000 in 1899 to $7,600,000 in 1913, and $39,400,000 in 1926-are largely confined to sales of dyes to British India, China, and Japan for their big cotton-dyeing industries, and of fertilizers especially ammonium sulfate t o Japan, the Philippine Islands, and Netherlands East Indies. China also buys the
Vol. 20, No. 6
bulk of the exports of ginseng, which helps to bring up its total figure. Japan buys considerable amounts of the general run of industrial chemicals as well as medicinal and toilet preparations. In fact, all countries buy these last-mentioned commodities. ARRIca-L%frica, as yet undeveloped along industrial lines, has not looked to the United States for any large amounts of chemicals, although it is probable that sales to this continent are above the figures shown. I n all probability some of the goods destined to Europe are for trans-shipment to Africa. The Union of South Africa is the outstanding market and offers the best opportunities for American exporters, eapecially as this country is growing industrially. At present the bulk of shipments is comprised of medicinal and toilet preparations. Imports are rather unimportant, being confined chiefly to the copal and other varnish gums from the Congo, small amounts of flower oils from Algeria and Madagascar, and gum arabic from Egypt.
AMERICAN CHEMICAL INDUSTRIES Monsanto Chemical Works
I
N 1901, outside the heavy chemical field
After many years, the later ones in exand a very few specialties, chemical ecutive positions with well-known and wellmanufacturing in the United States was established houses, Mr. Queeny was mature not even an infant industry. Monsanto, both in age and experience when the vision having celebrated her silver anniversary, came true, and a very small chemical works therefore is, relatively speaking, old and exwas established. To avoid comment and to perienced in the manufacture of fine and protect the house with which he was still medicinal chemicals in America. In fact, associated at the time, Mr. Queeny did not the name “Monsanto” is known in the chemigive the new plant his own name, but chose that of Mrs. Queeny’s family-Monsanto. cal trade throughout the world. The start was far from pretentious. The The question of location may or may not first small building housed the modest equiphave been studied. If we assume that it ment for making saccharin, the founder and was, then the forecast of developments has a young Swiss chemist, Louis Veillon, who been amply confirmed. Only a few years was to make his mark later, and an oil stove. ago we were forcibly, if unwillingly, imThe total investment did not exceed fifteen pressed with the industrial importance of hundred dollars and there was no need for a the Ruhr region in Germany, and about the safe. same time we began to appreciate the importance of coal and its by-products and Success was not awaiting the new indusof sulfur, salt, and limestone as basic crude John Francis Queeny try. It was only after laborious weeks and materials for the manufacture of synthetic months that success was achieved. The organic chemicals. All of these are products of the middle-west manufacture of saccharin, an American discovery, but up to or southwest states and are conveniently and economically avail- Monsanto’s entry manufactured exclusively in Germany, was only the beginning. One product after another was added, inable t o St. Louis. It is worthy of note that Monsanto has been active in reviving Mississippi River shipping, and uses water cluding in the approximate order undertaken-vanillin, chloral hydrate, caffeine, glycerophosphates, phenolphthalein, coumarin, transportation extensively for bulk shipments of crude materials and acetphenetidin (phenacetin). Later there followed salisuch as sulfur, and also far finished products going to Europe, the Orient, and the Pacific Coast. cylic acid and the salicylate group of medicinals, including acetylsalicylic acid (aspirin), and other products of commercial A favorable location was only a contributing factor. Real success is traced to the foresight, purpose, resourcefulness of a importance. Seldom, if ever, was a product added without a conflict with man and his ability t o surround himself with loyal and capable European manufacturers. Before Monsanto entered the field associates. It may be said truthfully that Monsanto Chemical Works was born of the indomitable will, native ability, and knowl- the market price of chloral hydrate was 85 to 90 cents per pound. edge of the drug and chemical trade of John Francis Queeny. Finding it profitable a t 60 cents per pound, American consumers were given the benefit of the saving; then the price for the imMr. Queeny began his career in a wholesale drug house in 1872. He was ambitious as a youth. His first employer told ported product was dropped to 18 cents a pound, which was below the cost of manufacture. When Monsanto withdrew from the writer several years ago that young Queeny wore out more the field temporarily, as was later proved, the price promptly wagons than any boy he ever had. His sole interest and his rose again t o 50 cents per pound. This is but an example of hobby was business.
