“‘(6) According to this method you are master of the fire, enabling a retention of colours in any desired shade, of the deepest tone, of the greatest permanency.
“‘From this it appears: That this process is the easiest, the cheapest, and the most complete. Worked according to this method the hope is likely soon to become a reality that ultramarine may yet become the cheapest of all mineral colours, and as in the same everything rests upon simplicity, the preparation of the article in future will be carried on somewhat after the fashion of baking, brewing, &c.’
“Page 32.—‘Moreover, there is not only blue ultramarine, but also a pure green, and we may venture the hope that similar combinations in white, black, red, and yellow will soon follow in equal perfection. In consequence of these discoveries, Leykauf and Heyne have erected a factory in Nürnberg, which, according to a circular dated 15th July, 1840, is in operation under the style of “Leykauf, Heyne and Co.,” and are producing the two ultramarine colours referred to at the present time at the rate of 50 lb. per day.’
“Page 33.—‘All the mechanical appliances of the factory are at the present time exclusively worked by hand, the number of persons employed being sixteen; while the establishment upon completion of the buildings that are wanting is calculated to employ twenty operatives and two horses. With this extension the factory will be able to turn out 5 cwt. blue and 5 cwt. green weekly, consequently annually 500 cwt. of finished merchantable ultramarine will be brought on the market.’
“Page 35.—‘Now, as regards the prices ruling at present for Nürnberg ultramarine, these are, as compared with those of the French, more than 500 per cent. cheaper. Blue ultramarine costs, namely, in Nürnberg, quality No. 0, 10 florins per lb.; a lighter quality, which is nevertheless darker than the darkest French at 100 francs, 5 fl. per lb.; a third quality likewise darker than the seconds French at 60 francs, 3 fl. per lb. Green ultramarine, 3 fl. 10 kr. per lb.
“‘How much further, however, these low prices will be yet reduced after the completion of the factory, may be gathered from a detailed calculation of cost which the chief of this factory has made himself responsible for as being the highest estimate. This calculation of cost is based upon the weekly production of 10 cwt., which the factory will soon be able to turn out, and upon a necessary cost of plant and working capital of 90,000 Rhenish florins, as follows:—
“Page 36.—‘Calculation of cost of 500 cwt. blue and green ultramarine:—
| Fl. | ||
| (1) | Raw material and cost of transport | 10,000 |
| (2) | Fuel, including cost of transport of 7200 cwt. of coal at fl. 1.30 | 10,800 |
| (3) | Wages of 20 operatives at fl. 250 per annum | 5,000 |
| (4) | Utensils and apparatus | 3,200 |
| (5) | Buildings and repairs | 3,400 |
| (6) | Keep for two horses | 600 |
| (7) | Expense of factory | 3,000 |
| (8) | Cost of administration | 2,000 |
| (9) | Unforeseen matters and accidents | 2,000 |
| (10) | Interest on building and working capital at 5 per cent. | 4,500 |
| (11) | Public taxes, insurance, &c. | 500 |
| Thus 500 cwt. will cost | Fl. 45,000 | |
| “ 1 “ “ | Fl. 90 | |
| “ 1 lb. “ | 45kr. |
“‘Forty-five kreutzers, therefore, in accordance with the above, will in future be the production cost of a colour which, as is well known, could not be obtained for several hundred guldens, while in green it was not procurable at any price.’
“I venture to hope that the foregoing communication may yet prove of some interest in chemical circles.”