Croylite and Electrolysis

[LukeMurrayOn]

Who first proposed the addition of molten cryolite to bauxite in the electrolytic extraction of Aluminium to make the temperatures required more viable? Am I right in thinking that the majority of this chemical compound resides in Greenland? If so, was the process by which the scientist dissolved the Aluminium ore in different minerals to see which worked trial and error or could the result of adding cryolite have been discerned using knowledge of chemistry at the time? Finally, if my prior understanding of the process is correct who on Earth decided to make the trip to Greenland spend money on extraction of cryolite just on the off chance that it would dissolve bauxite?

[shammydodger]

http://www.ifa.ukf.net/hallcell/hall.htm

[shammydodger]

And

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cryolite

[shammydodger]

And not that I enjoy saying this, but haven't you googled?

It took me 5 seconds.