The fundamental problem which the modern chemist seeks to solve is in the first place the composition of a compound, _i.e._ the number of the atoms of the different elements which form the molecule, and in the next place the way in which these atoms are combined in the molecule. Reverting to our former analogy, the first thing to be found is how many different blocks enter into the composition of the structure, and the next thing is to ascertain how the blocks are arranged. When this is done, we are said to know the "constitution" or "structure" of the molecule, and in many cases when this is known we can build up or synthesise the compound by combining its different groups of atoms by suitable methods. The coal-tar industry abounds with such triumphs of chemical synthesis; a few of these achievements will be brought to light in the course of the remaining portions of this work.
The chemical investigation of magenta was commenced by Hofmann, whose name is inseparably connected with the scientific development of the coal-tar colour industry. In 1862 he showed that magenta was the salt of a base which he isolated, analysed, and named rosaniline. He established the composition of this base and of the violet and blue colouring-matters obtained from it by the processes already described. In 1864 he made the interesting discovery that magenta is not formed by the oxidation of _pure_ aniline, but that a mixture of aniline and toluidine is essential for the production of this colouring-matter. In fact, the aniline oil used by the manufacturer had from the beginning consisted of a mixture of aniline and toluidine, and at the present time "aniline for red" is made by nitrating a mixture of benzene and toluene and reducing the nitro-compounds.
From this work of Hofmann's suggestions naturally arose concerning the "constitution" of rosaniline, and new and fruitful lines of work were opened up. Large numbers of chemists of the greatest eminence pursued the inquiry, but the details of their work, although of absorbing interest to the chemist, cannot be discussed in the present volume. The final touch to a long series of investigations was given by two German chemists, Emil and Otto Fischer, who in 1878 proved the constitution of rosaniline by obtaining from it a hydrocarbon, the parent hydrocarbon from which the colouring-matter is derived. The purely scientific discovery of the Fischers threw a flood of light on the chemistry of magenta, and enabled a large number of colouring-matters related to the latter to be classed under one group, having the parent hydrocarbon as a central type. This hydrocarbon, it may be remarked, is known as triphenylmethane, as it is a derivative of methane, or marsh gas. The blues and violets obtained from rosaniline belong to this group, and so also do certain other colouring-matters which had been manufactured before the Fischers' discovery. In order to carry on the story of the utilisation of aniline, it is necessary to know something about these other colouring-matters which are obtained from it.