William Cooper (chemical manufacturer)

William Cooper was a 19th-century British chemical manufacturer, best known for his discovery and patenting of Cooper's Dip, a widely used sheep dip designed to prevent and treat sheep scab and other ectoparasitic infestations.

Cooper established a successful business, Cooper, McDougall and Robertson, which became a major force in the agricultural chemicals industry. His invention of Cooper's Dip revolutionized sheep farming practices worldwide, significantly reducing losses from disease and improving wool production. The dip was based on arsenic compounds, and its effectiveness led to its widespread adoption.

Beyond Cooper's Dip, the company expanded to produce other animal health products. William Cooper's legacy lies in the significant impact his invention had on animal husbandry, particularly in the sheep farming sector, and in establishing a company that played a crucial role in the development and distribution of agricultural chemicals.