Chapter XII
Henry Maudslay
The MaudslaysHenry MaudslayEmployed as powder-boy in Woolwich ArsenalAdvanced to the blacksmiths’ shopHis early dexterity in smith-workHis “trivet” makingEmployed by BramahProves himself a first-class workmanAdvanced to be foreman of the worksHis inventions of tools required for lock-makingHis invention of the leathern collar in the hydraulic pressLeaves Bramah’s service and begins business for himselfHis first smithy in Wells StreetHis first jobInvention of the slide-latheResume of the history of the turning-latheImperfection of tools about the middle of last centuryThe hand-latheGreat advantages of the slide restFirst extensively used in constructing Brunel’s Block MachineryMemoir of BrunelManufacture of ships’ blocksSir S. Bentham’s specificationsIntroduction of Brunel to MaudslayThe block-machinery made, and its successIncreased operations of the firmImprovements in the steam-engineInvention of the punching-machineFurther improvements in the slide-latheScrew-cutting machineMaudslay a dexterous and thoughtful workmanHis character described by his pupil, James NasmythAnecdotes and traitsMaudslay’s works a first-class school for workmenHis mode of estimating characterHis death