Imperial Dictionary of Universal Biography/Bramah, Joseph
BRAMAH, Joseph, whose name is known in connection with numerous mechanical improvements, was born at Stainborough, Yorkshire, in 1749. He was apprenticed to a carpenter in his native place, and having served his apprenticeship, he removed to London, and ere long began business as a cabinetmaker. Having shown great aptitude for mechanical invention, by some improvements which he effected in the construction of water-closets, he devoted himself to that branch of labour. His next invention, which he patented in 1784, was an improvement on the construction of the lock, rendering it more inviolable. Perhaps his most important achievement was the construction of a hydraulic press, acting on the principle of the hydrostatic paradox, which produced great force, and could be conveniently applied to many useful purposes. Its power was tested in Holt Forest, Hampshire, where 300 of the largest trees were raised from the ground by its means, managed by only two men. Bramah erected at Woolwich arsenal a machine for planing timber, moved by this power, which acted with great rapidity and exactness. In 1807 he invented, for the bank of England, a machine for numbering and dating their notes, which effected a great saving of time and labour. He died in 1814, in consequence of cold caught in Holt Forest, while superintending his experiments there. Mr. Bramah left "A Dissertation on the Construction of Locks," and "A Letter on the subject of an alleged Violation of Patents."—J. B.