Jackson worked in a textile plant. He was the head dyer. One of the greatest problems he faced wasn’t with the dyes; it was with the starch. It was well-nigh impossible to create a fabric stiff enough for men’s shirt collars that didn’t disappear after a few washes.
Carson was a chemical salesman. He called into Jackson’s textile plant. Jackson explained his dilemma.
“This is what you need,” said Carson. “This chemical creates an inner layer of plastic within the weave of the fabric. There won’t be a wrinkle in it. Use this and it will be permanently stiff.”
“Is it drinkable?” asked Jackson.