Hippolyte Dussauce papers

Collection

Identifier: MSS 0156

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

The Hippolyte Dussauce Papers reflect the life and work of the chemist during the years of 1860-1869. The papers include letters of inquiry from chemists, inventors, druggists and others to Dussauce for formulae and advice. Several copy books kept by Dussauce reflect his responses to some of these inquiries. The correspondence section also contains the letters of Henry Carey Baird, Dussauce's publisher, to Dussauce.

The second section of the papers consists of numerous autograph technical manuscripts, notes, receipts, and drawings. The technical writings reflect Dussauce's research in the fields of soapmaking, tanning, dyeing, vinegar, coffee, glue, inks, and filters.

The third section of material in the collection consists of an account book and drafts of advertisements written by Dussauce for his business. Section IV contains copies of several printed pamphlets, promotional material, and articles written by Dussauce. This section also contains 2 copper and lead plate engravings of technical drawings made by Dussauce.

Section V consists of material related to Dussauce's appointment as the United States Commissioner to the Universal Exhibition in Paris in 1867. Section VI contains the citation presented to Dussauce by the Societe Libre des Beaux-Arts in 1854. Section VII consists of original or true copy manuscripts of patents granted by various individuals for processes in which Dussauce was interested.

Section VIII includes the manuscripts and an illustration for the Goux public toilet system. Section IX consists of various miscellaneous periodicals, catalogs, and illustrations.

Dates

Creation: 1843-1869

Creator

Dussauce, H. (Hippolyte), 1829-1869 (Person)

Conditions Governing Access

This collection is open for research.

Conditions Governing Use

Use of materials from this collection beyond the exceptions provided for in the Fair Use and Educational Use clauses of the U.S. Copyright Law may violate federal law. Permission to publish or reproduce is required from the copyright holder. Please contact Special Collections, University of Delaware Library, http://library.udel.edu/spec/askspec/

Biographical / Historical

Hippolyte Dussauce, industrial chemist and author, was born in France on an unknown date and died in New Lebanon, New York on June 20, 1869. He studied chemistry under Michel Eugene Chevreul in Paris, France. Prior to 1860 he was appointed to several significant scientific posts by the French government.

Dussauce emigrated to the United States in 1860 and worked as a chemist in several firms, including Tilden Company. Later Dussauce established his own Laboratory of Industrial Chemistry in New Lebanon, New York. Through his laboratory he provided formulaic and analytic consultations throughout North America.

Dussauce was the author of numerous authoritative treatises published by Henry C. Baird, including A Practical Guide for the Perfumer (1868), A New and Complete Treatise on the Arts of Tanning, Currying, and Leather Dressing (1865), A General Treatise on the Manufacture of Vinegar (1868), General Treatise on the Manufacture of Every Description of Soap (1869), A Complete Treatise on the Art of dyeing Cotton and Wool (1863), and A Practical Treatise on the Fabrication of Matches, Gun-Cotton, Colored Fires, and Fulminating Powders (1864).