All About Inventions and Discoveries
The Romance of modern scientific and mechanical Achievements

The Sewing Machine 361 dressed in his Sunday best, set out for New York. His mission was a matter of considerable speculation among his fellow townsfolk, although there were many shrewd guesses as to the nature of his journey, judg- ing from the extreme care with which he carried his parcel. The appearance of the man from the back towns in the streets of New York aroused the fleeting curiosity of passers-by, but he was immune against jocular remarks and sallies. He had been given an address in the city to which he was making his way with all speed. Reaching his destination he was ushered in, and after the preliminary greeting, nerv- ously untied his parcel to withdraw the working model of his conception for a sewing machine. At that time Howe’s invention was the topic of conversation in patent circles. The new model did not arouse enthusiasm, because one and all were confronted with the bogey of prosecution for infringe- ment of the master patent. Besides, Howe’s machine had not proved a commercial success. Many had been purchased, but few had given satisfaction. Breakdowns were frequent, and the work was not executed with the nattiness demanded by the exact- ing housewife. Hence the lukewarm attitude towards the journeyman cabinet-maker from Pittsfield. But suddenly the demeanour of the gentlemen whom he had approached changed to one of intense interest in the model. Examination of its details and the owner’s comments concerning the method of working were followed closely. Then came an out- burst of wild excitement. The man from the back- woods had conceived something decidedly novel. Without any further loss of time, all steps were