the law governed company activities in Britain in the early 1900's?

Answer 1

I'm sure it did. Companies registration was introduced into England and Wales in 1844, but what particular Act or Acts was in force in 1900 I do not know, and a quick search has not been able to help. You would need to find a law library with some old editions of company law books or Halsburys Laws or Statutes. Remember that when you are talking law it is incorrect to refer to 'Britain' - within the United Kingdom there are three legal jurisdictions, England and Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland. What may be correct in one may not be correct in another.