#macintosh raincoat

[scotianostra]

On June 17th 1823 Charles Macintosh patented the waterproof cloth he was using to make raincoats.

While he was trying to find uses for the waste products of gasworks, Charle discovered that coal-tar naphtha dissolved india rubber. He took wool cloth and painted one side with the dissolved rubber preparation and placed another layer of wool cloth on top.

This created the first practical waterproof fabric, but the fabric was not perfect. It was easy to puncture when it was seamed, the natural oil in wool caused the rubber cement to deteriorate. In cold weather the fabric became stiffer and in hot weather the fabric became sticky. When vulcanized rubber was invented in 1839, Macintosh's fabrics improved since the new rubber could withstand temperature changes.

Of course just because you patent something it does not mean you actually were the first to invent it, controversy has followed the invention of the telephone since Alexander Graham Bell patented it, other inventions were questioned, the tyre, the television and the bicycle, all connected to Scotland and all have earlier versions that were thought of, or made beforehand, the “Mac” is no different.

James Syme, a surgeon and chemist based in Edinburgh, had discovered a derivative of coal tar (naphtha) could dissolve rubber and published his findings in Thomson's Annals of Philosophy five years before Macintosh came up with his idea.

It was the same process used by Macintosh following his own chemistry experiments with waste from Glasgow’s coal-gas works, and it has been claimed that the inventor had read Syme’s work before developing it for his own uses.

While Syme, uninterested in commercial matters, failed to patent his valuable discovery and continued to build a noteworthy career in surgery, Macintosh stamped his name on the idea in 1823, had Syme done so you might be calling the coats Symes.....it doesn’t have the same ring does it? Syme’s paper had not detailed the crucial sandwich-type construction employed by Macintosh, although this too was not completely new.

Spanish scientists previously used the method to make leak-proof containers for mercury, and renowned British balloonist Charles Green made a balloon envelope that applied the same principle in 1821.

French scientists also made balloons gas-tight and impermeable by impregnating fabric with rubber dissolved in turpentine and the use of rubber to waterproof fabric dates back to the Aztecs, who used natural latex.

But what made Macintosh’s invention revolutionary was its ease of manufacture and wear, seeing him swiftly launching into the production of cloth to be converted into coats and other garments by tailors in Glasgow.

Some of you might have picked up on the different spelling of the names in the first two paragraphs? Others will now be scrolling back to see what I mean! Well when As news of his invention spread, the repeated misspelling of the inventor’s name is thought to have popularised the description of the resulting coat as a “Mackintosh” – a name that has stuck to the present day.

Macintosh was elected as a fellow of the Royal Society for his contributions to chemistry and enjoyed considerable success before his death in 1843, aged 76.

First sold in 1824, his coat remains on the market in numerous forms across the world, it is now primarily a luxury brand still bearing its inventor’s name, even though it is spelled wrong!

[lialana]

Let it rain! ☔️😀

[a-modernmajorgeneral]

Charles Macintosh, a Scottish chemist, was born Dec. 29, 1766, in Glasgow, Scotland. His father manufactured dyes, and Charles was expected to take over the family business. He did learn a lot about chemistry, both in Glasgow and at the University of Edinburgh, where Joseph Black was teaching, but he ended up pursuing his own chemical dreams. He, working with Charles Tennant, invented a bleach powder for bleaching wool that made him a considerable amount of money, allowing him to pursue his own chemical inclinations.

One of the more robust chemical industries of the 1810s was the production of lighting gas from coal, and an unwanted byproduct of the process was coal tar, which Macintosh could buy cheaply. One of the components of coal tar was naphtha, with which Macintosh experimented, discovering that naphtha was an excellent solvent for rubber. He developed a process by which he could liquify rubber and spread it between two pieces of wool cloth. When it dried, the cloth was fully waterproof. Macintosh had invented the first truly waterproof fabric, and he secured a patent in 1824, and started manufacturing waterproof cloth that very year.

I am not sure how the arctic explorer John Franklin heard about the new rubberized fabric so soon after its invention, but in 1825, he was headed back on a second expedition to the Canadian arctic, after a disastrous first expedition during which most of his company died (see the entry on Franklin’s first expedition in our exhibition, Ice: A Victorian Romance). He took with him, on the second expedition, two outfits of waterproof clothing for each person, and the stores of flour, pasta, chocolate, coffee, and tea were divided up into 85-pound bundles, each of which was wrapped in three layers of waterproof canvas. Franklin also took along a small boat that they called the “Walnut-shell,” which was "covered with Mr. Mackintosh's prepared canvas." It weighed only 85 pounds, and was fully portable, and Franklin had it designed to prevent a recurrence of a tragedy from the first expedition, when a number of his men were stranded on the wrong side of a river and could not get across, and eventually perished, for want of a portable boat. Twenty years later, Peter Halkett invented an inflatable boat made of Mackintosh rubberized cloth that was even more successful than the Walnut-shell, because before you blew it up to become a boat, you could wear it as a cape. We have written a post on Halkett. And there is an entry on Franklin’s second expedition in Ice: A Victorian Romance.

Macintosh’s Glasgow company eventually merged with the firm of Thomas Hancock of London; Hancock had invented a "masticator" that could shred used rubber products so they could be re-used, and it turned out that the shredded rubber was more receptive to solvents and produced better rubberized fabrics. Hancock soon discovered vulcanization, independently of Charles Goodyear in the United States, and Chas. Macintosh and Co. then began producing products of vulcanized rubber. At the 1851 Crystal Palace Exhibition, the booths of Macintosh and Hancock were a big success. The Science Museum in London has a vulcanized rubber plaque that was prepared especially for the Exhibition, presenting the rubberized likenesses of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert (third image).

Macintosh died on July 25, 1843, so he never got to see his Mackintosh garments become fashion items, as they did in the later Victorian era (first image). No one seems to know how Macintosh the man was imperfectly eponymed into Mackintosh the waterproof coat, although I note that Franklin in 1828 was already referring to rubberized fabric as "Mackintosh's prepared canvas."

Macintosh was buried in the graveyard of Glasgow Cathedral, where there is a gravestone for Charles, his two parents, and his wife Mary Fisher (fourth image). Why no one thought to give him a more unique rubber memorial stone, like the one fashioned later for Victoria and Albert, I do not know.

Google celebrated the 250th birthday of Charles Macintosh in 2016 with one of their better "Google doodles" (fifth image).

Charles Macintosh – Scientist of the Day

Charles Macintosh, a Scottish chemist, was born Dec. 29, 1766, in Glasgow, Scotland.

Learn more

[nocturna7]

𝟮𝟭 𝗳𝗮𝗰𝘁𝘀 𝗮𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗦𝗰𝗼𝘁𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗱𝗶𝗱𝗻'𝘁 𝗸𝗻𝗼𝘄:

1. Scotland has over 790 islands, but only about 130 are inhabited. The largest inhabited island is Lewis and Harris.

2. Edinburgh was the first city in the world to have its own fire brigade, established in 1824.

3. Scotland's national animal is the unicorn, symbolizing purity, innocence, and power in Celtic mythology.

4. The shortest scheduled flight in the world is in Scotland. The flight between Westray and Papa Westray in the Orkney Islands lasts just around one minute.

5. Scotland is home to the oldest tree in Europe: A twisted yew tree in Fortingall that is estimated to be between 3,000 and 9,000 years old.

6. Shetland has the highest density of otters in Europe, with around 1,000 otters living in the wild.

7. The raincoat was invented by Charles Macintosh, a Glaswegian, in 1824, revolutionizing outdoor wear with his waterproof fabric.

8. Scotland has its own legal system, separate from England and Wales, with its roots in Roman law and influenced by other legal traditions, including French law.

9. The Encyclopedia Britannica was first produced in Scotland in 1768, in Edinburgh, to be precise.

10. The world’s first color photograph was taken in Scotland: In 1861, James Clerk Maxwell presented a color photograph of a tartan ribbon.

11. Golf originated in Scotland, with the game being played on Musselburgh Links in 1672, which is recognized as the world’s oldest golf course.

12. Scotland’s national dish is haggis, a savory pudding containing sheep's heart, liver, and lungs, mixed with onions, oatmeal, suet, spices, and salt, encased in the animal's stomach.

13. The first official international football (soccer) match was played in Scotland between Scotland and England in 1872.

14. Scotland has its own currency: Scottish banks issue their own banknotes, which are legal currency throughout the UK, though they might be met with confusion outside Scotland.

15. Edinburgh was named the first UNESCO City of Literature in 2004, recognizing its strong literary heritage.

16. St. Andrew’s Day on November 30th is a national holiday in Scotland, celebrating Saint Andrew, the patron saint of Scotland.

17. The Old Course at St. Andrews is considered the "home of golf" and has been played on since the 15th century.

18. Skara Brae on Orkney is older than Stonehenge and the Great Pyramids, making it one of the oldest agricultural villages in the UK.

19. The largest secondhand bookshop in Scotland, Leakey’s Bookshop in Inverness, is housed in an old church and features a wood-burning stove in the center.

20. The Scots Pine is Scotland’s national tree, symbolic of its ancient Caledonian forests.

21. Scotland is famed for its "right to roam", where people can access most land and inland water for recreation, as long as they do so responsibly under the Scottish Outdoor Access Code.

[brian-in-finance]

THE ICONIC MAC Mackintosh

The Mackintosh story began at the dawn of the industrial revolution in the early 19th Century when Scottish chemist Charles Macintosh invented a new method of waterproofing cotton.

THIS DAY IN HISTORY Source

12th of October 1823: Charles Macintosh sells the first raincoat.

153 YEARS LATER, her husband is born.

Remember… I met him through one of my best friends, which I think is the best kind of introduction you can get. — Caitríona Balfe, The Late Late Show, RTÉ One, 16 February 2016

45 46 Brian’s Fun With Facts™️ (😂)

[kellycrawford93]

21 Scotland facts

𝟮𝟭 𝗳𝗮𝗰𝘁𝘀 𝗮𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗦𝗰𝗼𝘁𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗱𝗶𝗱𝗻'𝘁 𝗸𝗻𝗼𝘄:

1. Scotland has over 790 islands, but only about 130 are inhabited. The largest inhabited island is Lewis and Harris.

2. Edinburgh was the first city in the world to have its own fire brigade, established in 1824.

3. Scotland's national animal is the unicorn, symbolizing purity, innocence, and power in Celtic mythology.

4. The shortest scheduled flight in the world is in Scotland. The flight between Westray and Papa Westray in the Orkney Islands lasts just around one minute.

5. Scotland is home to the oldest tree in Europe: A twisted yew tree in Fortingall that is estimated to be between 3,000 and 9,000 years old.

6. Shetland has the highest density of otters in Europe, with around 1,000 otters living in the wild.

7. The raincoat was invented by Charles Macintosh, a Glaswegian, in 1824, revolutionizing outdoor wear with his waterproof fabric.

8. Scotland has its own legal system, separate from England and Wales, with its roots in Roman law and influenced by other legal traditions, including French law.

9. The Encyclopedia Britannica was first produced in Scotland in 1768, in Edinburgh, to be precise.

10. The world’s first color photograph was taken in Scotland: In 1861, James Clerk Maxwell presented a color photograph of a tartan ribbon.

11. Golf originated in Scotland, with the game being played on Musselburgh Links in 1672, which is recognized as the world’s oldest golf course.

12. Scotland’s national dish is haggis, a savory pudding containing sheep's heart, liver, and lungs, mixed with onions, oatmeal, suet, spices, and salt, encased in the animal's stomach.

13. The first official international football (soccer) match was played in Scotland between Scotland and England in 1872.

14. Scotland has its own currency: Scottish banks issue their own banknotes, which are legal currency throughout the UK, though they might be met with confusion outside Scotland.

15. Edinburgh was named the first UNESCO City of Literature in 2004, recognizing its strong literary heritage.

16. St. Andrew’s Day on November 30th is a national holiday in Scotland, celebrating Saint Andrew, the patron saint of Scotland.

17. The people of Scotland are not “Scotch,” but “Scots” and can get offended if you say otherwise.

18. Skara Brae on Orkney is older than Stonehenge and the Great Pyramids, making it one of the oldest agricultural villages in the UK.

19. The largest secondhand bookshop in Scotland, Leakey’s Bookshop in Inverness, is housed in an old church and features a wood-burning stove in the center.

20. The Scots Pine is Scotland’s national tree, symbolic of its ancient Caledonian forests.

21. Scotland is famed for its "right to roam", where people can access most land and inland water for recreation, as long as they do so responsibly under the Scottish Outdoor Access Code.

[scotianostra]

On 12th October 1823 Charles Macintosh sold the first raincoat.

Macintosh is another of those clever Scottish people people that has been honoured with a google doodle.

Born to the family of a merchant in Glasgow, Scotland on December 29th, 1766, Macintosh started his professional career as a clerk but later set up a plant in Glasgow to manufacture and sell chemicals.

In 1823 he found that naphtha, a naturally occurring liquid petroleum substance, was able to dissolve in natural rubber mostly cultivated in India. The paste he created from it was impermeable to water. Using the process he managed to create a fabric that would protect the wearer from rain. He was also granted a patent on the fabric. People now remember him as the inventor of the rain coat. The coat he created was on a wool cloth by painting one side with the dissolved rubber preparation. It was not perfect for all the weather conditions. The fabric, however, improved several years later.“

The first Mackintosh coat was sold on this day in 1823 and since then the Mackintosh has come to define classic for close on 200 years, oh the K was added to the garment later, the man himself always used the original spelling, and indeed his grave as seen in the pics.

Charles died in 1843 and was buried in the Glasgow Cathedral graveyard He is buried with his parents in the ground of his great grandfather, John Anderson of Douhill, Lord Provost of Glasgow. His name is added to the 17th century monument which stands against the eastern boundary wall. A late 19th century secondary memorial also exists, in polished red granite, slightly to the north, where Charles is again mentioned on the grave of his son, George.

[taslonfabric]

The Evolution and Technology of Waterproof Apparel Fabric

Waterproof apparel fabric has come a long way since early humans began seeking ways to protect themselves from the elements. From ancient times when people used treated animal hides to modern high-tech materials, the need to stay dry has driven remarkable innovation in the textile industry. Today, waterproof fabrics are used in everything from rain jackets to tents, outdoor gear, and athletic wear. This article explores the evolution, technologies, and applications of waterproof apparel fabric.

What is Waterproof Apparel Fabric?

Waterproof fabric is a material that prevents water from penetrating the surface, keeping the wearer dry even in wet conditions. It differs from water-resistant fabrics, which can repel water to some extent but may eventually become saturated. Waterproof apparel fabric is typically used in outdoor and activewear clothing where staying dry is essential for comfort and safety.

Key Characteristics of Waterproof Fabrics

Waterproof fabrics must meet certain criteria to be effective. These include:

Waterproofing: The material should completely block out water.

Breathability: The fabric should allow moisture, such as sweat, to escape, preventing overheating and discomfort.

Durability: It should withstand wear and tear, especially in rugged outdoor conditions.

Lightweight: For most apparel, waterproof fabrics need to be lightweight and easy to move in, especially for active users.

Historical Evolution of Waterproof Fabrics

The journey of waterproof apparel fabric begins with natural solutions. Early civilizations used waxed cotton and oiled skins to shield themselves from the rain. In the 19th century, Scottish chemist Charles Macintosh developed one of the first rubberized fabrics, giving birth to the classic "Macintosh coat" which became a popular raincoat.

The true revolution in waterproof fabrics came with the development of synthetic materials in the 20th century. In the 1960s, Gore-Tex® introduced the first breathable waterproof fabric. This material became a game-changer in the industry, allowing air and moisture to escape while preventing water from entering.

Types of Waterproof Fabrics

There are several types of waterproof fabrics used in apparel today, each with its own technology:

Gore-Tex®: This fabric is known for being breathable and waterproof, thanks to its membrane that contains billions of microscopic pores, small enough to keep water out but large enough to allow sweat to escape.

Polyurethane-Coated Fabrics: These fabrics have a polyurethane layer that blocks water. They are less breathable than some high-tech alternatives but are very effective for items like rain ponchos or bags.

DWR (Durable Water Repellent): Fabrics treated with DWR are water-resistant but can also become waterproof when combined with a membrane or coating. The DWR layer helps water bead up and roll off the fabric’s surface.

Nylon and Polyester with Waterproof Coatings: These synthetic materials are commonly used for rain jackets and outdoor gear. They are lightweight, durable, and can be treated with waterproof coatings.

Waterproofing Technologies: How It Works

Modern waterproof fabrics use a combination of membrane technology, coating, and seam sealing to keep water out. Here are some common technologies used:

Microporous Membranes: These membranes, like those used in Gore-Tex®, contain tiny pores that are too small for water droplets to pass through but large enough to allow vapor from sweat to escape. This makes the fabric waterproof and breathable.

Hydrophilic Coatings: These coatings attract moisture, absorbing it and then releasing it outside of the garment. This type of coating helps improve breathability.

Laminates: Some fabrics are made by laminating a waterproof layer, such as Gore-Tex® or eVent, onto the outer fabric. This creates a durable, waterproof barrier that can also be breathable depending on the lamination process.

Seam Sealing: While the fabric itself can be waterproof, the seams where panels are sewn together can allow water to leak in. Seam sealing involves using special tapes or welding techniques to ensure these joints are completely waterproof.

Applications of Waterproof Apparel Fabric

Waterproof fabrics are used in a wide variety of applications, including:

Outdoor Clothing: Hikers, campers, and climbers rely on waterproof jackets, pants, and gloves to stay dry in harsh conditions. These garments often incorporate breathable fabrics to prevent overheating during strenuous activity.

Sportswear: Athletes, particularly in sports like running, cycling, and skiing, benefit from waterproof yet breathable apparel that allows them to perform at their best regardless of the weather.

Everyday Wear: Waterproof fabrics are also used in everyday rainwear, such as trench coats and parkas, to protect against inclement weather.

Workwear: Workers in industries such as construction, fishing, and forestry often require heavy-duty waterproof garments to protect against prolonged exposure to rain or wet environments.

Specialized Applications: Waterproof fabrics are also found in military and rescue operations, where weather protection is critical for safety and performance.

Sustainability and Innovation

As with many sectors, sustainability is becoming a key consideration in waterproof fabric production. Traditional waterproof coatings like perfluorinated compounds (PFCs) are being phased out due to environmental concerns. New alternatives, such as bio-based coatings and PFC-free treatments, are being developed to make waterproof clothing more eco-friendly.

Additionally, recycling technologies are advancing, allowing companies to create waterproof fabrics from recycled materials like plastic bottles or discarded textiles. This shift not only reduces waste but also contributes to a circular economy within the textile industry.

Waterproof apparel fabrics have evolved significantly, from simple oiled garments to advanced materials that keep us dry while allowing breathability. The combination of innovation in membrane technology, coatings, and sustainable materials ensures that waterproof fabrics will continue to meet the demands of outdoor enthusiasts, athletes, and everyday wearers alike.

As the need for high-performance and eco-friendly fabrics grows, waterproof apparel fabrics will likely see further advancements in both technology and sustainability. Whether you're hiking in the mountains or navigating the urban jungle in a rainstorm, waterproof fabrics ensure you can stay comfortable and dry, no matter the conditions.

[finchleythompson]

Return of the Mac With Rosanna outside Lloyd’s of London and a soupçon of light from wingman Rods rotolight. @rosannaelettra & @rodwey2004 • #locationshoot #style #fashion #streetstyle #italiangirl #mac #macintosh #topshop @topshop @topshop_ldn #citylife #citygirl #curlyhair #curlsfordays #tweed #traditionalfabric #blackmac #raincoat #lloydsoflondon #limestreet (at Lloyd's)

[issalesnunes]

Thank you @and-make-it-double

Last song: Sunlight - Hozier

Favorite color: I don't have a favorite color

Last movie/TV show: 911 (TV)

Sweet/spicy/savory?: spicy without a doubt

Relationship status: Single

Last thing I googled: The last thing I looked up was who invented the raincoat. And just for the record, it was a chemist called Charles Macintosh in 1824.

Current obsession: Fanfic - Ao3

Tag Nine People: @andatsea, @bamsara @cherriielle @danasauurr @eylulkalpliadam @foxyjoy-art @gesu-ko @hawberries @ikimaru @juniperarts

Nine people I'd like to get to know better

Tagged by @meghawhopp <33

Last song: Down by the River by Borislav Slavov from the Baldur’s Gate 3 Soundtrack (or more specifically the cover of Down by the River by Nerissa Ravencroft)

Favorite color: Blue and purple!

Last movie/TV show: Seinfeld, I’m currently on season four!

Sweet/spicy/savory?: I have a huge sweet tooth, so sweet things

Relationship status: Single

Last thing I googled: I searched up the show “Arthur” because I was trying to find that one meme where Buster was like “You really think someone would do that, just go on the internet and spread lies?”

Current obsession: Fragaria memories and tears of themis mostly^^

Tag Nine People: @kyaruun @xinieeee @deadmansbistro @florapot @hunita812 @scuffle-with-spirals @rexonalapis @maxellera @manicpixiedoomedgirl

[sick-not-tired]

Women’s Outdoor Apparel: In Historical Context

If I had the opportunity to conduct a research project with unlimited funds, I would do it on the history of women’s outdoor gear. Historical Fashion has always fascinated me, and in recent years my attention has been drawn to the severe gaps that remain in outdoor gear and apparel aimed toward women. For instance, there is an ongoing joke between my friends and I (that has proved true many a time) that all financially accessible women’s outdoor apparel companies only make outdoor wear in the colours black, fuchsia, or teal. Historically, women’s active and outdoors wear has always been a few steps behind that of men.

For example, in 1943 most male sports players were fighting overseas in World War 2, and Philip Wrigley formed the All-American Girls Professional Baseball team, on which the players wore a one-piece skirted uniform as opposed to pants. Women were meant to “look like ladies, but play like gentlemen” (Porter, 2020). From my 11 years playing Softball, I can tell you that sliding into home with anything less than full length pants and sliding pads will leave you with some very unladylike scars. 

Dorothy “Dottie” Kamenshek, First Basemen for the Rockford Peaches jumping to catch a ball in her uniform, from the National Baseball Hall of Fame, from:  https://www.enidnews.com/news/league-of-their-own-women-baseball-players-together-again/article_aa96deac-d474-5e3e-8fa6-9443f239aa89.html

In another example, the 19th century and industrial revolution led to much more expendable income in families and led to more women joining their husbands in outdoor pursuits like yachting and mountain climbing. MacIntosh rubberized-cotton raincoats were patented in 1823 and became quite popular in 1830 following their roll-out to military men, but the popularization of waterproof outerwear for women and subsequent design of fashionable styles would not come until the 1880s and 1890s (Shepard, 2012).

If I had unlimited resources, I would do a deep dive into the history of women’s outdoor wear from woolen shawls and tunics to Helly Hansen Jackets, complete with trips to fashion museums to view extant garments, conversations with historians and modern garment makers, and a look into why so many gaps between men’s and women’s outdoor wear exists.

Ethically, this project would ideally not be a large undertaking. It would focus mainly on compiling existent research and speaking with experts only on the basis of their past research and findings, so factors like engagement with vulnerable persons, power imbalances, and most risk factors would likely be easier to avoid. However, there is always economic and social risks to these experts should they speak ill of their institutions or design companies, so this would need to be addressed. Of course, free and informed consent is also a factor in these interviews, as is respecting participant privacy.

This research would be proposed as a way to help outdoor gear and apparel companies better connect to the wants and needs of outdoorswomen, and as a way to bridge the gap between fashion design and user practicality. It would help gear companies and women by furthering the conversation around past and current inequities between men’s and women’s ability to access the outdoors. It would help expedition leaders and companies in better addressing the gear needs of women who enter their programs.

Reference List:

Porter, M. (2011, March 27). When women ruled baseball: The AAGPBL. HowTheyPlay. Retrieved January 29, 2022, from https://howtheyplay.com/team-sports/When-Girls-Ruled-Baseball

Shephard, A. J. (2012). Waterproof dress : An exploration of development and design from 1880 through 1895. Clothing and Textiles Research Journal, 30(3). https://doi.org/10.32469/10355/6182

[jeezumcrowvintage]

“Lay Back and Dream on a Rainy Day...” --JH

Vintage women’s novelty rain coat by Lady Van Heusen, circa 1980s. Link to purchase above. :)

[scotianostra]

On June 17th 1823 Charles Macintosh patented the waterproof cloth he was using to make raincoats.

Mackintosh rubberized coats were not immediately successful. Although they were waterproof, they had a strong smell which most wearers found unpleasant. It was not until a fellow chemist, Thomas Hancock, invented a process involving vulcanized rubber that the problem was solved. Hancock became a partner in Macintosh’s business in 1834. This marked the real start of the iconic Mackintosh brand.

In 1824 an Arctic exploration team trialled rubber coated waterproof canvas bags, air-beds and pillows made by the Macintosh patented process. In 1841 the British army ordered waterproof clothing for all its troops. The rubberized coats and capes were functional and hard wearing and they soon became standard army issue.

After the death of Charles Macintosh in 1843, the company had a period of decline. But in 1851 the Mackintosh coat was shown at The Grand Exhibition at Crystal Palace, London. And the rest is history.

Of course just because you patent something it does not mean you actually were the first to invent it, controversy has followed the invention of the telephone since Alexander Graham Bell patented it, other inventions were questioned, the tyre, the television and the bicycle, all connected to Scotland and all have earlier versions that were thought of, or made beforehand, the “Mac” is no different.

James Syme, a surgeon and chemist based in Edinburgh, had discovered a derivative of coal tar (naphtha) could dissolve rubber and published his findings in Thomson's Annals of Philosophy five years before Macintosh came up with his idea.

It was the same process used by Macintosh following his own chemistry experiments with waste from Glasgow’s coal-gas works, and it has been claimed that the inventor had read Syme’s work before developing it for his own uses.

While Syme, uninterested in commercial matters, failed to patent his valuable discovery and continued to build a noteworthy career in surgery, Macintosh stamped his name on the idea in 1823, had Syme done so you might be calling the coats Symes.....it doesn’t have the same ring does it? Syme’s paper had not detailed the crucial sandwich-type construction employed by Macintosh, although this too was not completely new.

Spanish scientists previously used the method to make leak-proof containers for mercury, and renowned British balloonist Charles Green made a balloon envelope that applied the same principle in 1821.

French scientists also made balloons gas-tight and impermeable by impregnating fabric with rubber dissolved in turpentine and the use of rubber to waterproof fabric dates back to the Aztecs, who used natural latex.

But what made Macintosh’s invention revolutionary was its ease of manufacture and wear, seeing him swiftly launching into the production of cloth to be converted into coats and other garments by tailors in Glasgow.

Some of you might have picked up on the different spelling of the names in the first two paragraphs? Others will now be scrolling back to see what I mean! Well when As news of his invention spread, the repeated misspelling of the inventor’s name is thought to have popularised the description of the resulting coat as a “Mackintosh” – a name that has stuck to the present day.

Macintosh was elected as a fellow of the Royal Society for his contributions to chemistry and enjoyed considerable success before his death in 1843, aged 76.

First sold in 1824, his coat remains on the market in numerous forms across the world, it is now primarily a luxury brand still bearing its inventor’s name, even though it is spelled wrong!

[starweed]

adding some more (i don’t know if these are common or not, just offering them up)

trousers are referred to as pants

pants are referred to as underwear

briefs/underpants are shorts

jumper/pullover/sweater/jersey all typically fall under the category of sweater

a vest is called an undershirt

a waistcoat is called a vest

a macintosh is called a raincoat

plimsols are called gym shoes

trainers are called sneakers

braces are called suspenders

suspenders do the same job a garter belt does, which is hold up stockings

a dressing gown is called a robe

a nappy is called a diaper

a pinny/apron is simply referred to as an apron

a polo neck is called a turtle neck

dressing gowns are called bath robes

a swimming costume/cozzy is called a bathing suit

dungarees are called overalls

a windscreen is called a windshield

a carpark is called a parking lot

a holiday is called a vacation

awesome is typically used in the same context as ace(?) (i.e. “wow! that’s awesome!)

americans also use the word lollygag to indicate that someone’s wasting time (i.e. “quit that lollygagging, we’ve got things to do”)

a wad of mucus (typically from the nose) in america would be called a booger

british english and american english also typically structure sentences differently, if you really want to write your characters with an american or british accent.

in the past tense british english uses present perfect (i.e. “yeah, i’ve just gotten off work.) while american english typically uses past simple (i.e. “yeah, i just got off work”).

british english also uses the word “got” as the past tense of “get” while in american english you use “gotten” depending on the context. in american english you’d say “you could’ve gotten hurt!” while in british english you’d say “you could’ve got hurt!” but you wouldn’t say “have you gotten any money?” in american english.

in british english you can use a singular or plural verb with a collective noun (a noun that refers to a group of people or things). in british english you could say, “my team is winning the match!” (singular) or “my team are winning the match!” (plural) while in american english you always use a singular verb with a collective noun.

in british english you could say, “i’m going to have a shower” or you could say, “i’m going to take a shower” while in american english you would only say the former (same goes for break, holiday, and rest in relation in resting).

in america you don’t really use the word “shall” (unless it’s for a bit, or something pretty formal), you’d typically use “should i?” or “do you want to?” instead (or “i will” instead of “i shall”)

american english also typically uses the word “spelled” over “spelt” but nobody really pays attention to those differences besides grammar checkers. some americans (including myself) often prefer the british english spellings of words.

anyway, i’m very normal about the differences in the different english dialects (and these are only the two most commonly spoken, without even including regional dialects or counting other countries that speak english)

sources:

https://learnenglish.britishcouncil.org/grammar/b1-b2-grammar/british-english-american-english

thank you for coming to my monologue about two dialects of the english language.

Words/phrases I often see from British/Australian writers while writing American characters (and some American alternatives because I know it’s tricky!):

Bugger (American: fucker)

Flat (American: apartment, “my place”)

Bloke (American: guy, asshole, dude)

Queue (American: line, checkout line)

Cuppa (American: cup of tea, hot tea)

Shite (American: bullshit, shit, crap)

Some of these are regional, like all of the various American words for the British “trolley” (American: shopping cart, buggy, cart, etc) but most of the above words are pretty ubiquitous.

[thepopinjay]

Alligator brand outerwear- “because... it’s sure to rain!”

[ladyartemisia28]

9-"A Few Weeks, Probably Less"😰

Oh so is wasn't a relationship!

The "flu"? So maybe my first assumption was correct. Well we'll see.

Ah a flashback '73 so....*math struggles again* so 8 years back in time maybe 2 or so after he was abandoned. *Brain straining* I'm just going to go with that 😅.

Med school right! I forgot he was pre med!

'75 OH NO! He probably DID see him! 😭. They tragically missed each other!

The way Casthazar got physical is so sad. Balthazar you shouldn't have done that. Such a bad decision.

Oh so Cas ISN'T Gay he's pan or bi?! And a polyam relationship?

"they heard things, but they hovered on the edge"

I wonder which Ruby this is. I'm thinking Gen.

Maybe THIS is the dangerous stuff I thought he got into earlier in the story!

*few sentences later*

"heroin" "coke" ah there it is.

Like End!verse Cas!

Oh poor sweetie he trying to OD?!

Wow that was so harsh Castiel! So heartbreaking for Balthazar. Unrequited love is so 😖 painful.

Huh department store. Strange choice. Would've thought they'd go with gas station. *Leaves briefly to check what season Human!Cas was in* ()

Hmm I wonder why they name "Abigail" was chosen for the Sam/Jess baby. Awwww so cute!

Oh Dean imagining a happy ending for them 😭! No that is SO SAD!

10-

😭 the chapter is named "Probably Less"!!!!!!

Tessa's affection for Cas is sweet. It's interesting I just watched the episode

Spoiler Alert

she dies

Ooh the pictures are going to be brought back and it's going to be so heartbreaking.

Oh no he said he'll see him in the morning! He's going to die in his sleep 😱

Ok so I may have been a bit paranoid again....😳

The doctor's going to be bad isn't he? Oh once they described him! Death, that's OG Death!

It IS AIDS! I knew it! I KNEW it! 😭😭😭😭😭

10-Less

Oh a projector, I know what he's going to do...

Yep he is going to show him video of their trip to the beach.

So so so glad that Sam, Jess, and the baby are there!

...

.....

......

Thursday

😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭

Why did I do this to myself. I'm so dumb. I should not be reading such a infamously sad fanfic on Thurs November the 19th. The day Supernatural Ends! 😭.

I've never read ANYTHING with AIDS. And now I'm seeing that was probably a smart idea on my part. I guess I knew organs would fail, but I didn't comprehend it.

THIS IS WHY DESTIEL SHIPPERS ARE TRIGGERED BY "I CAN'T HELP FALLING IN LOVE WITH YOU"????!!!!!

A letter?

I literally can't type enough words for how many feeling that made me have. I'm not ok 😭😭😭

12- epilogue

More letters

*stops reading to check what a Macintosh is... Besides a computer. Looks up Macintosh Clothing* it's a raincoat...

It's so sweet how Dean was willing to give her the pictures.

Oh...I guess the story is done now.

So that was my live reaction to "Twist and Shout'".

Now I and going to get off of the kitchen floor, eat some pork chops and scalloped potatoes, and prepare for tonight.