i8o 



THE POPULAR SCIENCE MONTHLY. 



and ivory distaffs, highly jeweled, are described by classic writers, 

 and no theme more frequently inspired the poet than the skill 

 and graceful movement of the beautiful spinners. 



This occupation of the women continued down to the advent 

 of the modern factory system, which has done more than all else 

 to change the aspects of domestic life. The modern factory-girl 

 has superseded queens and princesses in the manipulation of the 

 fleece, and the whir of machinery and the grime of the factory 

 town have robbed the poet of his inspiration. 



The ancient distaff was generally about three feet long, com- 

 monly a stick or 

 reed, and held un- 

 der the left arm. 

 The fibers of wool 

 were drawn out 

 from the project- 

 ing ball, and at 

 the same time spi- 

 rally twisted by 

 the thumb and 

 forefinger of the 

 right hand. The 

 thread so pro- 

 duced was wound 

 upon the spindle 

 until the quantity 

 was as great as 

 it would carry. 

 The spindle itself, 

 made of some 

 reed, was generally from eight to ten inches in 

 length. At its top was a slit or catch, to which the thread was 

 fixed, so that the weight of the spindle might carry the thread to 

 the ground as fast as finished. The process of primitive spinning 

 is described by Catullus : 



" The loaded distaff, in the left hand placed, 

 "With spongy coils of snow-white wool was graced ; 

 From these the right hand lengthening fibers drew, 

 Which into thread 'neath nimble fingers grew. 

 At intervals a gentle touch was given 

 By which the twirling whorl was onward driven ; 

 . Then, when the sinking spindle reached the ground, 

 The recent thread around its spire was wound, 

 Until the clasp within its nipping cleft 

 Held fast the newly finished length of weft." 



These rhymes describe the whole process of spinning the various 



Fig. 3. Ancient Distaff Spinners. (From Montfaucon. ) 



light wood or 



