1. Early Development
Chardonnet
The discovery of what is known as “artificial silk” is generally attributed to a Frenchman, Count Hilaire de Chardonnet, who after many years of research and experimentation, between 1840 and 1890, finally perfected a fibre that possessed the necessary qualities for practical weaving. He introduced his discovery to the public in 1891 at the Paris Exposition, and in addition to winning the “Grand Prix” was also made a knight of the Legion of Honor in recognition of his contribution to science and industry.
Further Development
Since that time others have contributed to the development of the new fibre and discovered other methods of production—all, however, based on the same general principle as the Chardonnet process. Despaisses and Panly, two Frenchmen, and Stearn, Cross and Bevan, Englishmen, are the outstanding names in this work.