(b.1806 - d.1883) Industrial chemist. Born in Brechin (Angus), Spence worked initially at a gas-works but went on to develop a process for the production of alum (Potassium Aluminium Sulphate) based on treating coal-shale with sulphuric acid. This he patented in 1845 and set up a plant in Manchester to produce it commercially. Alum was used in dyeing textiles, tanning leather and in paper manufacture. Spence became responible for the majority of the world's production.

Derived from the Gazetteer for Scotland with permission.

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