Young, James (1811-1883)

Letter, 12 Jan 1871, from James Young to William Simpson arranging to meet him Glasgow.

12/01/1871

1 letter

Provenance details not recorded.

Scottish chemical engineer, self-made entrepreneur. Pioneer and expert in petrochemicals manufacturing. Developed the process of refining oil and created the world's first oil industry based on the Oil Shales of West Lothian, by Edinburgh. Known as the world's first oil man. His main discovery and product was paraffin for lighting and cooking, hence his nickname of 'Paraffin Young'. He became rich on the proceeds of his inventions and business and paid the debts on the African trips of his explorer friend David Livingstone (whom he had met at Andersonian University). He was President of Anderson's College Glasgow, 1868-1877; Fellow of the Royal Society 1873; Vice-President of the Chemical Society 1879-1881. He amassed a large collection of alchemical books (many in German and Latin) which are now held by the Andersonian Library in the University of Strathclyde, Glasgow.