Joseph Jewell (1763–1846), the subject of the autobiographical memoir which follows, was one of the pioneers of the fine chemical industry in England. Starting his career in practical chemistry as porter at a well-known pharmacy in the City, this remarkable man was soon placed in charge of the ‘elaboratory’ there, spent many years in making chemicals, and eventually, in 1807, became a partner in the firm of Howard, Jewell and Gibson, manufacturers of fine chemicals, whose laboratory was then situated at Stratford, in Essex, about four miles from the City, beyond the River Lea. Here he was actively engaged, as partner and chemical technician, for a further twenty-four years, retiring at the end of 1830. The manuscript of his memoir has been preserved in the archives of the firm, which is now known as Howards of Ilford Limited.