Glass and Glass Manufacture

Glass surrounds us in everyday life, from the clear panes that let sunlight fill our rooms to the delicate lenses that reveal distant stars. This book traces the craft from its ancient Egyptian roots through the rise of modern factories, explaining how glass became essential for domestic comfort, scientific research, and industrial progress. It highlights the material’s remarkable versatility, showing why it is prized for cleanliness, health, and precision in fields such as chemistry and medicine. Readers also learn about the dramatic shift during World War I, when the shortage of specialized glass sparked a rapid push for home‑grown production.

The author details the collaborative effort between a Scottish manufacturer, leading chemists, and the Ministry of Munitions that turned urgent need into lasting innovation. Practical formulas, step‑by‑step processes, and safety considerations are presented in a clear, concise style aimed at newcomers to the trade. An appendix points eager learners toward further technical literature, while the text argues for stronger glass‑technology education in universities and trade schools. Altogether, the volume offers a solid foundation for anyone interested in the science and industry of glassmaking.