PREFACE.
The primary object of the author, in offeringThe Turner’s Companionto the notice of the public, is the hope of explaining, in a clear, concise, and intelligible manner, the rudiments of this beautiful art; an art immortalized by the pen of Virgil, practised by the Greeks and Romans, and, as we are told, still existing in those exquisitechef-d’œuvresof former years, so much admired and sought after in our century.
A short treatise on this subject is much wanted, and the author has endeavoured togive such correct and comprehensive information as will, he hopes, render the following pages useful as a book of practical instruction to the beginner, and of reference to those already advanced in the study of this beautiful science. The activity of mind requisite for the attainment of perfect success in all the various branches of Turning, by exercising the inventive and reflective powers, cannot fail of producing a beneficial effect on the character of youth, which must prove a lasting advantage; and the minute accuracy necessary for handling the tools, serves to confirm a steadiness of sight and hand that must, in after years, and in other branches of science, be highly appreciated.
From a long experience in the endless sources of interest and occupation derivable from this pleasing and salutary employment,the author feels assured that whoever has once patience and perseverance to overcome the first difficulties, will speedily, like himself, become an enthusiast in the art. And why should not our fair countrywomen participate in this amusement? Do they fear it is too masculine and laborious for a female hand? If so, that anxiety is easily removed; the rough work can be executed by any carpenter, and when once prepared, what occupation can be more interesting and elegant than ornamenting wood or ivory in delicate and intricate patterns, and imitating, with the aid of the lathe, the beautiful Chinese carving, so much and so justly admired? Besides, the taper fingers of the fair sex are far better suited than a man’s heavier hand, to produce the requisite lightness and clearness of effect. To our charitable countrywomen,who employ so much of their time in raising funds for the diffusion of Christianity in far distant lands, and for augmenting the comforts of the poor in our own happy land, the lathe will prove a most useful auxiliary, as well as to those who are anxious to bestow beautiful and cherished remembrances on absent friends.
Another very forcible argument in favour of the amusement of Turning being cultivated by the ladies and gentlemen of our free and independent country, and one which will, I am sure, plead most strongly with all parents and guardians, is, that all occupations within doors being usually of a sedentary nature, the exercise attendant upon the use of the lathe must prove highly beneficial to health; and one moment’s reflection will point out the incalculable advantage to bederived from instilling the love of useful employment in every youthful mind; or, when freed from the irksomeness of graver study, may they not seek companions and pursuits to whom they would ever have remained strangers, had their idle hours not hung heavy on their hands?
Should this little work prevail upon any of my readers to commence the study of this truly beautiful science, and should the occupation, as no doubt it must, prove a source of pleasure by adding to their amusement, it will amply repay the labour it has required, and bestow sincere gratification on the Author.