Victorian sewing machine powered by a dog

[Still Waters]

Before the world became motorised and digitised we used animals to help us in our daily work.

Although horses and cattle were the most common animal aids, one clever Victorian came up with a sewing machine powered by a dog.

Invented by Frenchman M. Richard to save the delicate hands of the seamstresses at his Paris company, it uses small dogs to turn the wheels in the days before the engine became popular.

http://www.dailymail...ies-pedals.html

[schizoidwoman]

This made me think of the old dog-powered turnspit ; an interesting read - thanks, SW!

Edited December 27, 2012 by schizoidwoman

[Ashotep]

We've used dogs for everything else why not. As long as they aren't required to work long hours without breaks and medical benefits.

[CuriousGreek]

Doggies are willing to help humans in everything. If they are not treated badly, then that might as well be a good idea