344 A BRIEF MEMOIR 



the larger wheel, which accelerated the rim and 

 spindles until the thread was completed, and the 

 strap being removed to the loose pulley, the 

 whole machine came to rest, and the thread was 

 put up by the spinner in the ordinary way. I 

 was now able to construct the sun and planet 

 wheel for the acceleration of the speed of the 

 spindle which was as follows : — the sun and 

 planet wheel had only two wheels and one 

 pulley, with a clutch that fastened the sun wheel, 

 when the accelerated motion was required. 

 Many other modifications were introduced, but 

 the four wheels prevailed, some of which for 

 convenience I constructed by making them bevils, 

 and placing their axes vertically to get motion 

 from an upright shaft, which produced the same 

 effect as the spur wheels. This was suggested 

 to me by Mr. Lee of Salford, and I made him a 

 a model of one in 1800. 



Having thus briefly explained the principal 

 modifications of fine spinning by power ; I have 

 only to add, that they produced a great change 

 in the value of the fine yarn, and consequently 

 a great extension of its use. The Scotch in 

 Lanarkshire, and Renfrewshire, being long in 

 the habit of weaving fine cambric from flax 

 yarn, and silk gauzes, had also turned their 

 hands to the manufacture of fine cotton fabrics. 



