Pattern of knife motion in making parchment
Date
25 May 1664
Creator
Unknown, Artist
Object type
Archive reference number
Manuscript page number
p166
Material
Dimensions
height (page): 365mm
width (page): 233mm
width (page): 233mm
Subject
Description
This small marginal drawing depicts the pattern of motion the knife should take while making parchment. As explained, the knife should be drawing along the skin 'in a rambling manner, always with crooked lines downwards'.
Transcription
In describing the method for making parchment "Having drawn oft the flesh on the inside of the skin, they turne the Harrows and pinch the skin on the back side, which pinthing as they call it, is by compressing the same drawing knife in various motion in a rambling manner, always with crooked lines downward thus.
Transcribed by the Making Visible project
Transcribed by the Making Visible project
Object history
At the meeting of the Royal Society on 25 May 1664, ‘Mr. Beal’s account of the art of making parchment was read, and ordered to be registered’ (Birch 1:428).
Related fellows
John Beale (1608 - 1687, British) , Clergyman
Associated place