Page:Willich, A. F. M. - The Domestic Encyclopædia (Vol. 2, 1802).djvu/96

78] . The first is called a mule, being a kind of union of the warp-machine of Mr. 's, above described, with that of the woof-machine of Mr., for spinning. The latter process was formerly effected by the hand, upon a machine called a one-thread wheel. Being, however, found inadequate to supply the quantities demanded for weaving, various methods were invented, with a view to expedite this manufacture; but with little effect, till Mr., in the year 1767, obtained a patent for a second mechanical apparatus, by which a great number of threads might be spun at once; and which is called a jenny. This machine has since been so greatly improved, that one person may spin 100 English hanks of cotton yarn per day, each of which consists of 840 yards. The next operation which cotton undergoes, is that of weaving it in a loom, in the same manner as flax or hemp.—See.

In June, 1796, a patent was granted to Mr., calico-printer, Dumbartonshire, Scotland, for a method of weaving all hinds of cotton, linen, and worsted-cloths, by means of looms worked by water; and which may be farther facilitated by steam-engines, horses, or any other power: the weaving is performed at considerably less expence, and more expeditiously, than it can be accomplished by the hands of weavers; the cloth thus woven is of a more regular texture, and superior to that wrought by the hand. But, as this patent relates purely to a mechanical operation, solely calculated for manufacturers, we refer the reader to the 8th vol. of the Repertory of Arts and Manufactures.

Another patent was granted in April, 1790, to Mr. W., of New North-street, Red Lion-square, for his invention of a machine for printing on cotton, woollen, and other articles, in a more neat, cheap, and accurate manner than is effected by the contrivances now in use. The leading principles of this invention, appear to consist of three particulars—1. The manner of preparing the original models, casts, types, engravings, carvings, or sculptures from which the impression is to be made; 2. In applying the ink, or colouring matter to such models, &c.; 3. In taking off the impression, or transferring the ink, or colouring matter from those models, &c. to the paper, cloth, or other materials, upon which it is intended to remain. Those of our readers, who may wish farther to investigate this subject, will find an accurate and minute account in the 8th volume of the work last mentioned.

The utility of cotton is not merely confined to the manufacture of different cloths: it is also capable of being converted into hats and paper. Experiments have shewn, that, if raw cotton be beaten to a sufficient degree, and then reduced to a proper pulp, it will produce a smooth, strong, white paper, little inferior in texture to that commonly made of linen rags.—See.  COTTON-GRASS, or Eriophorum, L. is a perennial, native genus of plants, consisting of five species, the principal of which are the following:

1. The angustifolium, or  mon