The Art of Weaving, by Hand and by Power: With an Introductory Account of Its Rise and Progress in Ancient and Modern Times (Classic Reprint) - Softcover

Excerpt from The Art of Weaving, by Hand and by Power: With an Introductory Account of Its Rise and Progress in Ancient and Modern Times

Many of our American weavers already possess sufficient skill and dexterity in several branches Of this, the most complex Of all arts, to prove dangerous rivals to those similarly engaged in other parts of the globe; but the field for improvement is still very ex tensive. In every quarter Of this vast country men of scientific genius are busy in applying those elementary and speculative prin ciples, which were formerly confined to the closet of the philosopher, to the grand purpose of social improvement. The great chain which connects theory with the useful arts, is rapidly extending, and it is impossible to anticipate what may be the result.

The fabrication Of almost every species of cloth appears to have been carried on to a surprising extent in the ancient world and a knowledge Of the processes by which it was accomplished, together with the improvements made on many Of them since their intro duction into Europe, are objects of the first national importance, and no apology is necessary for our attempting a collection Of facts on the subject, embodying them with our own experience as a prac tical weaver and manufacturer, in England, Ireland, Scotland, France, Belgium, Prussia, &c., for nearly a quarter of a century.

About the Publisher

Forgotten Books publishes hundreds of thousands of rare and classic books. Find more at www.forgottenbooks.com

This book is a reproduction of an important historical work. Forgotten Books uses state-of-the-art technology to digitally reconstruct the work, preserving the original format whilst repairing imperfections present in the aged copy. In rare cases, an imperfection in the original, such as a blemish or missing page, may be replicated in our edition. We do, however, repair the vast majority of imperfections successfully; any imperfections that remain are intentionally left to preserve the state of such historical works.

Excerpt from The Art of Weaving, by Hand and by Power: With an Introductory Account of Its Rise and Progress in Ancient and Modern Times

In making books we own that we are 'green,'
And for defects this should be some apology.
The author of this Treatise has not been
Plucking sufficient fruit from off the knowledge tree;
A fact which by our readers will be seen,
Without the proofs afforded by phrenology;
But, to avoid the evils of satiety,
We shall endeavour to give some variety.

Materials inexhaustible abound,
Which, if well handled, might adorn our pages;
By learning, metaphysical, profound,
We might, no doubt, be rank'd among the sages;
The natives too, perhaps, we might astound,
With lists comparative of weavers' wages;
Or, essays on political economy;
Or, loftier still, the science of astronomy.

Though all these themes are worthy of attention,
We think it proper in this place to state,
That to exclude all chances of dissension,
The author shall not in this Work relate
A sentence, which, by men of comprehension,
Could e'er be deem'd admitting of debate:
Hence, politics we never once shall touch,
Lest we should say too little, or too much.

'Tis wisdom to make hay while weather's sunny;
But, here we should not be misunderstood:
We disavow all thoughts of making money:
We publish solely for the public good,
(Our own included). Op'ning flowers yield honey;
This book shall yield to weavers ample food;
Food for the mind, which, when digested, may
Yield food to fill the body every day.

The present Work is not a periodical;
We do not publish number after number
Poetic, philosophical, rhapsodical,
With shining gems amidst a mass of lumber.
Our plan, in most respects, is quite methodical.
Meantime, our readers we shall not encumber
With more remarks, but show them, with facility,
A specimen or two of our ability.

About the Publisher

Forgotten Books publishes hundreds of thousands of rare and classic books. Find more at www.forgottenbooks.com

This book is a reproduction of an important historical work. Forgotten Books uses state-of-the-art technology to digitally reconstruct the work, preserving the original format whilst repairing imperfections present in the aged copy. In rare cases, an imperfection in the original, such as a blemish or missing page, may be replicated in our edition. We do, however, repair the vast majority of imperfections successfully; any imperfections that remain are intentionally left to preserve the state of such historical works.