From our current stock of books for sale:
(HUNTSMAN, Benjamin) FOURNESS & ASHWORTH
Bref examen, des qualités de l'acier fondu, de Huntsman.28th March, 1792
Description
In 1740, Benjamin Huntsman invented cast, or crucible, steel, thereby transforming the manufacturing industry and establishing Sheffield as the world's major steel centre. His process produced a material of exceptional hardness and durability which was rapidly utilised for tools, drills, dies, hammers, files, wire and rolls for rolling mills, though it was also used for buttons, buckles, mirrors etc. Matthew Boulton was a prolific purchaser of Huntsman's steel and it was widely known throughout Europe. Many foreigners visited his works in an effort to find the secret of his success and various writers, such as Jars, described the process. Huntsman's son, William, carried on with his father's steel production and it was on his behalf that this remarkable testimonial was written. Produced in both English and French (by this period Huntsman & Co. had an agent in Paris), it describes the virtues and qualities of Huntsman steel and asks prospective purchasers to do business with Huntsman himself rather than with unscrupulous competitors. It was issued by Robert Fourness & James Ashworth of Yorkshire, who were in partnership as engineers and inventors. In 1788, they patented a design for a steam carriage and also for a steamboat. They later built a steamboat which they sent to London and after exhaustive tests on the Thames it seems to have been purchased as a pleasure boat by the Prince of Wales (later George IV). This is no doubt why they describe themselves as engineers to the Prince of Wales and the Duke of Clarence.
Collation
16mo. 12pp. Orig. marbled wrappers. Boxed.Price
£420.00Catalogue No: 5812