CHAPTER V

THE MULE AND THE RISE OF A NEW COTTON MANUFACTURE 113-148

I.--The work of Samuel Crompton; begins efforts to produce improved yarn at Hall-i’-th’-Wood (1772); invents “mule” (1779); prices obtained for his yarn; consents to make machine public, 113-116; character of the mule and its method of spinning; probable reasons why patent not applied for; treatment of Crompton in 1780 and its effects; asserts unacquaintance with Arkwright’s rollers, 117-122.

II.--Mule at first worked by hand in cottages; improvements in the mule; the “Billy”; mule supersedes jenny in cotton spinning; and water-frame in finer counts, 122-124; application of water-power; attempts to invent “self-actor” mule; increase in size and appearance in town factories, 124-126; early fine cotton-spinners; immigration of Scotsmen; fine spinning and machine making combined; rise of specialised firms, 126-128; fine cotton fabrics made from mule-spun yarn; effect upon Eastern cotton industry; testimony of John Kennedy; markets for fine yarn in late eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries; transition in the English cotton-industry; import of cotton from United States, 126-132.

III.--Social effects of the transition; William Radcliffe’s account; examination of the view that combined agricultural and industrial occupations prevailed in country districts of Lancashire before the coming of factories; evidence from Manchester Mercury, Aikin, Parliamentary reports; Radcliffe’s account of the township of Mellor; 1801 census returns relating to Mellor; Gaskell’s account of the classes in country districts affected by the transition; yeomen and artisans; improvement in material position of artisans and elevation of lower class; many yeomen turned to industry and some achieved success as manufacturers; number engaged in Lancashire textile industry who combined agricultural and industrial occupations relatively small; similar conclusion regarding number of small independent producers, 132-144; improved position of weavers reacted upon other trades and attracted labour; the Napoleonic War; mid-eighteenth century conditions repeated and intensified; effects upon social and economic development; and upon the problem of industrial relationships, 144-148.