Charles Macintosh
A Scottish industrial chemist who banished the soggy misery of rain by inventing the world's first practical waterproof fabric.
1766–1843 (age 77)·British chemist·Birthday: December 29
Biography
Charles Macintosh was a practical man of science whose innovation sprang from a messy industrial byproduct. Working in Glasgow as a clerk and later a chemist, he was fascinated by the new gases and chemicals emerging from the city's factories. In 1818, he began experimenting with naphtha, a coal tar derivative, and discovered it could dissolve India rubber. His eureka moment was sandwiching this sticky liquid between two layers of cloth, creating a pliable, water-repellent sandwich. He patented the process in 1823, and the 'Mackintosh' cloak was born. Though initially stiff and smelly in warm weather, his invention was a revelation. It transformed outerwear for everyone from postmen to explorers, creating an entire industry and making his name—with an added 'k'—synonymous with rain protection forever.
#1 When Charles Was Born
The biggest hits of 1766
Charles's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1766Born
1771Started school
1779Became a teenager
1782Could drive
1784Could vote
1787Turned 21
1796Turned 30
1806Turned 40
1816Turned 50
1826Turned 60
1836Turned 70
1843Died at 77
Key Achievements
- Patented the method for waterproofing fabric using rubber dissolved in naphtha in 1823.
- Founded Charles Macintosh and Company in Manchester to manufacture his waterproof garments.
- Was elected a Fellow of the Royal Society for his contributions to chemistry.
Did You Know?
The trademark name 'Mackintosh' for raincoats is spelled with a 'k', a variation from his surname.
He also invented a process for converting iron into steel and developed new methods for dyeing fabrics.
His early waterproof coats were known to become brittle in cold weather and gummy in heat.
“I found a way to make cloth proof against the Scottish rain.”
