l02 Description of a Machine for Shoemakers. 



possibility of preserving the breed pure in France is abso- 

 lutely false ; for who does not know that the flock of Ram- 

 bouillet is equal in beauty of fleece, and superior in size and 

 strength, to the finest specimens from the Spanish ca- 

 cannos ? 



XXI. Description of a Machine ly which all the Thread- work 

 in Shoe- making may be done in a standing Posture. By 

 Mr. Thomas Holden, of Fcttleworth, near Petivorth, 

 in Sussex*. 



S. ROM the sitting posture used m my employment, as a 

 shoemaker, I suffered so much in my health, ^nd from the 

 piles, that I thought I must either give up my business or 

 lose my life. In this difficulty I invented this machine, got 

 it made, and went to work with it. I found it answer to 

 my satisfaction, and its use followed by a restoration of my 

 health. I believe I have made eighteen hundred or two 

 thousand pair of shoes with it, and still work on. I re- 

 commend it as the quickest way of closing all the thread- 

 work. 



'' My machine is fixed to the floor, a little to the left of 

 the seat, but within reach of the hand ; the work is held 

 on with a stirrup, and suits to the place." 



Certificates from John Summersell, cordwainer, and 

 overseer of the parish ; Richard Hawkins, John Tilly, and 

 George Hawkins, Thomas Tilly, and Edward Hawkins, 

 cordwainers, confirmed the above statement ; as well as the 

 following letter from Mr. Peter Martin, surgeon, at Tul- 

 borough ; 



" I am sincerely of opinion, that Thomas Holden's in- 

 vention is a desirable acquisition to men of that profession, 

 especially to those who may be diseased internally, or who 

 may suflfer from stomach weakness and indigestion. These 

 diseases may be aggravated, if not occasioned, by their 

 working in a bent posture. 



" The inventor, about twenty years ago, often applied 

 to me for rcUef from a train of bowel complaints, and fre- 

 quently had occasion to take the medicines usually em- 

 ployed for the relief of dyspepsia. 



' From the Trarisucdons of the Sorii't;/ of Arts, &c. vol. xxii. who awarded 

 to Mr. Holden a bounty of lilteen guineas for this invention. 



" I re- 



