A THOROUGH knowledge of the Art of Weaving, in all its varieties, is the gradual result of indefatigable exertion, and cannot be acquired, except by a long course of practical application in those parts of the world where it is best understood.
Many of our American weavers already possess sufficient skill and dexterity in several branches of this, the most complex of all arts, to prove dangerous rivals to those similarly engaged in other parts of the globe; but the field for improvement is still very extensive. In every quarter of this vast country men of scientific genius are busy in applying those elementary and speculative principles, which were formerly confined to the closet of the philosopher, to the grand purpose of social improvement. The great chain which connects theory with the useful arts, is rapidly extending, and it is impossible to anticipate what may be the result.
The fabrication of almost every species of cloth appears to have been carried on to a surprising extent in the ancient world; and a knowledge of the processes by which it was accomplished, together with the improvements made on many of them since their introduction into Europe, are objects of the first national importance, and no apology is necessary for our attempting a collection of facts on the subject, embodying them with our own experience as a practical weaver and manufacturer, in England, Ireland, Scotland, France, Belgium, Prussia, &c., for nearly a quarter of a century.
Although the art of weaving the more common fabrics is extensively known in this country, nevertheless, the intricate and ornamental textures are not well understood; neither have they been explained by any one thoroughly versed in the business; which precludes the necessity of further observation from us on this head.
A variety of publications relative to this branch of industry, designed for the use of weavers of common fabrics, have, indeed, appeared, at different times, by such authors as O'Doherty, Diogenes,
