The Black family papers contains primarily correspondence between John and Margaret Black and their numerous children and grandchildren. The correspondence deals with family affairs: trade and mercantile interests in Bordeaux, Cadiz, and London as well as familial matters in the period between 1738 and 1837. The papers contain very little of Joseph Black's scientific work.

John Black (1681-1767), native of Belfast of Scottish descent, was a successful wine merchant in Bordeaux, France. In 1716 he married Margaret Gordon, daughter of Robert Gordon, another Scottish wine merchant there. The couple had twelve children, among whom Joseph Black (1728-1799), Edinburgh chemist and physician, was the most famous. Other sons went to trade or related fields. Alexander joined his uncle, Robert Black, in Cadiz, where John Black's brother Charles was British consul. Following Robert Black's death (1761), Alexander Black moved to London and established commercial glassworks. James Black was engaged in the sugar-refining industry. John Black retired and moved to the family home in Blamont, Co. Antrim in Ireland, and died there eight years later

2.4 Linear Feet (2 boxes )

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