Threshing Machines
In 1798 Thomas Robert Malthus predicted that the human population would outgrow the planet's resources. Since then many academics have made similar dire predictions based on their ignorance of what workers are aware of.
Prior to Malthus's population alarm a Scotsman, Andrew Meikle, in 1781 had invented a horse drawn threshing machine which was followed by American Alexander Anderson's 1782 version. Thresher
Another device of the early 19th century was the grain cradle which greatly improved harvests Grain Cradle This idea enhanced the thresher's efficiency.
Horse and water power was soon replaced by steam power.
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Captain on
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I am glad that you found it interesting. The golden age of steam seems to have run of its stomach.
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This simple grain cradle apparently improved harvest significantly. It caught the grain before it hit the ground which caused more to fall off.
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This series mentions the advent of the threshing machine right from the first episode: Victorian Farm
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