In the present volume, while describing the various operations involved in the manufacture of paper, the Author has endeavoured to render the work serviceable as a book of reference in respect to the processes and improvements which have from time to time been introduced, and many of which have been more or less practically applied either at home or abroad.

The recovery of soda from waste liquors has been fully dealt with, and the details of several applied processes explained.

Special attention has also been directed to some of the more important methods of producing pulp from wood fibre, since it is highly probable that from this inexhaustible source the paper-maker will ultimately derive much of the cellulose used in his manufacture. Indeed it may be deemed equally probable, when the processes for disintegrating wood fibre, so largely applied in America and on the Continent, become better understood in this country, that their adoption here will become more extensive than has hitherto been the case.

To render the work more readily understood alike by the practical operator and the student, care has been taken to avoid, as far as possible, the introduction of unexplained technicalities; at the same time it has been the writer's aim to furnish the reader with a variety of information which, it is hoped, will prove both useful and instructive.

It is with much pleasure that the Author tenders his sincere thanks to Mr. Sydney Spalding, of the Horton Kirby Mills, South Darenth, for his kind courtesy in conducting him through the various departments of the mill, and for explaining to him the operations performed therein. To Mr. Frank Lloyd he also acknowledges his indebtedness for the generous readiness with which he accompanied him over the Daily Chronicle Mill at Sittingbourne, and for the pains he took to supply information as to certain details at the Author's request. His best thanks are also due to those manufacturers of paper-making machinery who supplied him with many of the blocks which illustrate the pages of the book.

Balham, Surrey, January, 1890.