Model of an Indian Saw Gin (scale 1:4) of the type made at the Dharwar factory, Bombay, India, before or about 1872.
The cotton engine or gin was invented by Eli Whitney in about 1794. Used to seperate cotton fibres from the seeds around which they grow, it revolutionised the production of cotton. Cotton was fed in the top. The fibres were caught by teeth on discs like circular saws, and drawn through slots too narrow to allow the seeds to pass. The seeds were then swept off the teeth by revolving brushes, which also produced a draught to blow the seeds out of an opening at the back of the machine. Seeds and dirt fell out seperately.
Details
- Category:
- Textiles Machinery
- Object Number:
- 1880-100
- Measurements:
-
overall: 11.4173 x 11.811 x 32.9528 in.; 290 x 300 x 837 mm
- type:
- cotton gin and model
- credit:
- Indian Museum, Calcutta
