A Method of Tanning without Bark

This concise 18th‑century pamphlet opens with a bold appeal to Ireland’s leaders, laying out the nation’s economic woes and the stark imbalance between raw exports and manufactured imports. Its author argues that true wealth springs from the productive use of natural resources and the labor of a fully employed populace, and he frames the plight of Irish trade as a symptom of policies that favor raw goods over home‑grown industry.

Against this backdrop, the work introduces a practical proposal: a method of tanning hides without relying on imported oak bark. By turning a simple, locally sourced material into a finished product, the author hopes to boost export value, create thousands of jobs, and reduce the country’s dependence on foreign supplies. Listeners will hear a spirited blend of economic theory, patriotic rhetoric, and hands‑on technical advice that captures the optimism and challenges of Ireland’s early industrial ambitions.