Page:Collier's New Encyclopedia v. 02.djvu/35

BICYCLE ling machine invented as long ago as 1649. In 1816, Karl von Drais, Freiherr von Sauerbroon (1784-1851), built a rudimentary bicycle, consisting of two wheels, one before the other, connected by a perch, the forward wheel axled in a fork swiveled to the forward end of the perch and bearing a cross-bar or handles for steering. The rider sat astride the perch and propelled the machine by thrusting his feet on the ground and on level ground could easily make 5 miles an hour. The Drasine, or Draisine, as this first machine was called, was patented in Paris in 1816. It was introduced into England in 1818, and patented there with some improvements by a man named Knight. It very soon acquired the name of "dandy horse" or "hobby horse.' In 1819 the "hobby horse" was brought to the United States and created great enthusiasm in many of our leading cities. But the fever did not last long. It is asserted, though not proved, that a Scotchman, Kirkpatrick McMillan, having tried a system of cranks, side-levers, connection rods, and pedals for propelling a tricycle, in 1815, applied them to a wooden bicycle in 1840, and used it with success. In 1846, Gavin Dalzel, or Dalzelle, who is said to have seen McMillan's machine, invented and rode a rear driving velocipede propelled by pedals on hanging levers which, by means of connecting rods instead of chains, rotated cranks on the rear axle. In 1855, Michaux, a Parisian carriage-maker, built a velocipede which was propelled by cranks on the front wheel. Ten years later Pierre Lallement invented the front driving velocipede, which gained a wonderful though short-lived popularity. He patented it in the United States in 1866. Before the velocipede craze had passed the English manufacturers conceived the idea of enlarging the front wheel, and the high bicycle with suspension wheels was speedily developed. For some years the two wheels were of very inequal size, the rider being mounted directly over the very large one. It was so high that mounting was difficult and a fall dangerous. It was used only by men and high speed was attained. About 1884 the high wheel began to be abandoned for the modern type, usually called the "Safety," in which, at first, the large wheel was made smaller and the smaller one larger, and afterward both wheels were made of equal diameter, speed be- ing gained by the rear wheel having a high gear. The old type had hard rubber tires for the wheels. The introduction of the pneumatic tire in 1891, by J. B. Dunlop, wrought a practical revolution in the bicycle industry. From being merely an instrument for recreation and sport, it became one of the most common vehicles upon the highways. The "safety" bicycles were adopted for military purposes by many of the nations of the world. The invention of the motor-cycle, however, caused this swift and more powerful vehicle to supersede the bicycle for military use.

The popularity of the bicycle in the United States began to decline early in the 20th century. Its use as a mode of conveyance is, however, still wide, especially in the rural districts, and in foreign countries its popularity as a pleasure vehicle still persists.

BIDAR, or BIDDERY, a town in British India, in a district of the same name; 72 miles N. W. of Haidarabad. It is noted for a metal ware manufactured there and known as Biddery ware. The ware is made from an alloy of copper, 8 parts; lead, 4; and tin, 1. To 3 ounces of this alloy 16 ounces of zinc are added, when the alloy is melted for use. It is colored by dipping into a solution of sal-ammoniac, saltpeter, common salt, and sulphate of copper. This colors it, and the color forms a ground for the silver and gold inlaying. Chisels and engravers are employed, and, after the inlaying is complete, the ware is polished and stained. Many articles of Indian manufacture, remarkable for elegance of form and gracefully engraved patterns, are made of it.

BIDASSOA, a river of northeastern Spain, forming, for some distance, the boundary between France and Spain. In 1813 Wellington effected the passage of the Bidassoa and entered France.

BIDDEFORD, a city in York co., Me.; on the Saco river, and the Boston and Maine railroad; 15 miles S. W. of Portland, and 6 miles from the Atlantic Ocean. It derives its name from Bideford, England; was settled under a patent in 1630, although a small settlement was made in the vicinity near the mouth of the river in 1616, and was given a city charter in 1855. The city has an excellent water-power promoted by a fall of 42 feet in the river here; manufactures of cotton goods, large lumber interests, and extensive ledges of granite which provide an important and growing industry. There are two National banks, more than than a dozen churches, daily, weekly, and monthly periodicals, public library, trolley line to Old Orchard Beach. Pop. (1910) 17,079; (1920) 18,008.