Mechanization Collection

Jacquard loom, 1880s
Woman worker using a mechanized Jacquard loom, 1880s. Hand-colored woodcut of a 19th-century illlustration

STEAM PLOUGH, 1892. Ingletons Improved Steam Plow. Wood engraving, American, 1892

Apparatus for beating by machinery, 1877 (albumen silver print)
3617939 Apparatus for beating by machinery, 1877 (albumen silver print) by Mallitte, Oscar Jean Baptiste (c.1829-1905); J

Beating by machinery, 1877 (albumen silver print)
3617938 Beating by machinery, 1877 (albumen silver print) by Mallitte, Oscar Jean Baptiste (c.1829-1905); J. Paul Getty Museum, Los Angeles

A steam driven traction engine and a multi bladed plough designed by John Fowler in
3614168 A steam driven traction engine and a multi bladed plough designed by John Fowler in the 19th century, from Les Merveilles de la Science, pub.1870 by French School

A 19th century threshing machine, from Les Merveilles de la Science, pub. 1870
3614166 A 19th century threshing machine, from Les Merveilles de la Science, pub.1870 by French School, (19th century); (add.info.: A 19th century threshing machine)

A portable steam engine built in France by the company M
3614165 A portable steam engine built in France by the company M. Cail et Cie in the 19th century, from Les Merveilles de la Science, pub.1870 by French School

Monsieur Durennes portable steam engine, from Les Merveilles de la Science, pub. 1870
3614164 Monsieur Durennes portable steam engine, from Les Merveilles de la Science, pub.1870 by French School, (19th century); (add.info.: Monsieur Durennes portable steam engine)

A 19th century John Fowler steam driven ploughing or traction engine
3614167 A 19th century John Fowler steam driven ploughing or traction engine, from Les Merveilles de la Science, pub.1870 by French School

NEW SOUTH CARTOON, 1882. The Queen of Industry, Or, The New South. American cartoon by Thomas Nast, 1882, comparing the plantation economy of the pre-Civil War South with the more industrialized

Steel windmill
Windmill for pumping water manufactured by Aermotor Company. Digital photograph

Sulky plow, 1800s
Farmer riding a sulky plow drawn by a pair of horses, circa 1890. Hand-colored woodcut of a 19th-century illustration

Windmill ad, about 1900
Advertisement for Aermotor Co. windmills, Chicago, about 1900. Hand-colored woodcut of a 19th-century illustration

Section of an underground mine. Model of a team in the second half of the nineteenth century. Scale 1:25. Manufactured in 1906. By R. Brown. Deutsches Museum (Museum of Science and Technology)

AGRI2A-00063
Cyrus Hall McCormicks reaper, invented in 1847. Hand-colored woodcut

Knitting mill workers
Workers at their machines in a knitting mill, 1800s. Hand-colored woodcut of a 19th-century illustration

Woman harvesting wheat on combine harvester
Woman harvesting wheat on a combine harvester. Mosaic from the ceiling of the Moscow metro (underground) railway, 1938. By Alexander Deineka, Russian painter and graphic artist

History of medicine. Machinery. cartoning pills. Engraving. 19th century. Colored

Struggle to Increase the Mechanization of Agriculture : Chinese poster, 1971
CHINA: POSTER, 1971. Struggle to Increase the Mechanization of Agriculture : Chinese poster, 1971

ENGLAND: FACTORY, 1865. The interior of a machine shop and turnery in a marine-engine factory at Greenwich, England: wood engraving, 1865

CORN HARVESTER, 1844. Mechanical corn harvester, 1844. Contemporary American line engraving

Weaving loom, historical artwork. The invention of the mechanized weaving loom in late 18th century England began the Industrial Revolution

Weaving looms, historical artwork. The invention of the mechanized weaving loom in late 18th century England began the Industrial Revolution

AGRI2D-00047
Closeup of windmill manufactured by Aermotor Company. Digital photograph

AGRI2D-00050
Closeup of spinning windmill manufactured by Aermotor Company. Digital photograph

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Mechanization, a transformative force that revolutionized industries and societies alike. It all began with the ingenious Jacquard loom in the 1880s, which automated the weaving process and paved the way for future advancements. The steam plough made its grand entrance in 1892, as Ingletons Improved Steam Plow took center stage with its wood engraving capturing imaginations across America. Deep beneath the surface, an underground mine showcased a model team working tirelessly to extract precious resources. Meanwhile, an apparatus for beating by machinery emerged in 1877, captured beautifully in albumen silver prints. This innovative technique brought efficiency and precision to various industries. The genius of John Fowler shone through his multi-bladed plough designed for steam-driven traction engines. His inventions propelled agricultural practices into a new era during the late 19th century. Threshing machines from Les Merveilles de la Science publication of 1870 demonstrated how mechanization transformed traditional farming methods. Not limited to land-based endeavors alone, portable steam engines built by Monsieur Durennes exemplified French engineering prowess. These marvels powered various applications across different sectors while captivating minds worldwide. As mechanization continued its relentless march forward, even medicine succumbed to its influence. Engravings depicted pill cartoning machines seamlessly packaging medicinal wonders with mechanical precision. In another realm entirely, New South Cartoon of 1882 portrayed "The Queen of Industry, " symbolizing how mechanization became synonymous with progress and prosperity during this period of history. From textile production to agriculture and beyond, mechanization left an indelible mark on society's trajectory. It forever altered human labor dynamics and ushered in an era where innovation thrived alongside productivity—a testament to humanity's unyielding pursuit of advancement through technology.