In 1869, James Elkington patented the electrolytic process for refining copper, which allowed for the production of high-purity copper. This innovation significantly improved the quality of copper used in electrical and industrial applications. Elkington's method marked a major advancement in metallurgy, influencing various industries and contributing to technological progress.

The advent of electrolytic copper refining in 1869 supported the burgeoning electrical age, inspiring poets like T.S. Eliot to explore the interconnectedness of modern life. Their works often reflected on the impact of technology on human experience, questioning the implications of progress and innovation.