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EGYPT: 1500BC

This is from an extremely rare and very large (nearly poster sized) 1892 steel engraved print illustrating developments over time in the history of hemp and flax processors. The engraving was done by Sackett & Wilhelms of New York. The engraving was taken from a very rare volume published in 1892 by The Commissioner of Patents and titled "The Growth of Industrial Art."

 

TEXT ON THIS POSTER INCLUDES:



HEMP AND FLAX TREATMENT.

Hemp is not mentioned in our translation of the Hebrew, and but sparingly in the Greek classics. The Thracians made garments of hemp, which closely resembled linen. The Greeks and Romans used hemp, but never cultivated it before the Christian era. Cloth, made of hemp, became common in Europe in the thirteenth century.

In Virginia, United States, hemp was raised previous to 1648. In 1657 its culture was encouraged by the Government.

To separate the fibre, the hemp is dew-rotted or water-rotted. In the former process, the hemp is spread upon the ground in October, or a month or two later, according to the climate; when the lint readily separates upon breaking a stalk, the process, which requires about two months, is complete. In water-rotting, the hemp is immersed in water for ten days or more, according to the season. This is done is streams, in artificial pools made near the margin of a river, or in large wooden vats under cover. When rotted in vats the hemp is subjected to a partial breaking, which lessens its bulk. After the hemp is rotted and dried it is taken to the brake, which is either a rude affair worked like a flax brake, or an improved machine operated by steam, or other power. After breaking the hemp is twisted into bundles and baled for market.

The principal hemp producing countries are Russia, Italy, Holland, Turkey, Great Britain, the East Indies, and the United States

 

HEMP AND FLAX TREATMENT.
HEMP AND FLAX PRODUCED:

1890

Hemp, tons

5,025

Flaxseed, bushels

7,170,951

Flax Straw, tons

421,098

Flax Fiber, pounds

1,565,546
338 Patents Granted by the United States.


SCANS OF HEMP HARVESTING AND PROCESSING EQUIPMENT:

PRIMITIVE GRASS HOOK

1838: REVOLVING PULLING DRUM & BAND

1850: 2 CUTTERS RECIPROCATING IN OPPOSITE DIRECTIONS

1852: REVOLVING PULLING ROLLER 

 1863: RECIPROCATING PULLING JAW

 1866: STALK PULLER

1870: SIDE DELIVERY

1871: SIDE DELIVERY 

1872: STALK CUTTER

SCANS OF HEMP AND FLAX PROCESSORS:

1500BC EGYPT DRAWINGS

1780: SCUTCHING SWORD AND BLADE

1816: HEMP BRAKE

1878: HEMP AND FLAX BRAKE

1879: HACKLING MACHINE

1879: FIBER CLEANER

1879: RAMIE MACHINE

1892: HEMP HARVESTERS AND PROCESSORS - INDEX PAGE

1880: BREAKER AND SCUTCHER