Machine Invented by Spirits.
By H. C. Billings
MESSRS. PARTRIDGE AND BRITTAN: Gentlemen—From a sense of duty, and to "give credit to whom credit is due," I offer the following announcement relative to the discovery (through Spirit agency) of a machine for the riving of shingles. On the 2d day of March, Dr. R. Barrow was entranced to give the description, and also a draft of this machine, under the influence of Dr. Franklin. The draft was completed in an incredibly short space of time, and that, too, without the aid of any mathematical instruments, save a straight stick and pencil. On taking off the draft to a working size, the proportions were all found correct, and could not be varied to any improvement. The direction was that the draft and specification should be handed over to me to execute; which I have done accordingly, at such leisure hours as could be spared from other business. The model completed is of one third the full working size, and works precisely as was promised. It produces from the block a shingle each second of time, including the time required to remove the shingle from the machine and the replacing of the bolts upon the carriage. But I will not burden your columns with an extended account of this truly useful and labor-saving machine, as it will soon find its way to the pineries, where manufacturers of shingles will duly appreciate its value. The machine is clearly patentable, and in due time will be entered at the Patent Office. I will simply add that Dr Barrow makes no pretension to any knowledge of the mechanic arts, and in the normal state could not have made the first mark or entertained the least idea of the construction of the machine. I am, gentlemen, your obedient servant. Palmer, Hampden Co., Mass., April 15th, 1854.