![](https://coimages.sciencemuseumgroup.org.uk/202/799/large_thumbnail_cd0121_152_050721_t_1967_3_ring_spinner.jpg)
![Oil can, used to oil the moving parts of textile machinery.](https://coimages.sciencemuseumgroup.org.uk/297/156/small_thumbnail_yinp741_0001_0002__0001_.jpg)
![Oil can, used to oil the moving parts of textile machinery.](https://coimages.sciencemuseumgroup.org.uk/297/159/small_thumbnail_yinp741_0001_0002__0004_.jpg)
![Oil can, used to oil the moving parts of textile machinery.](https://coimages.sciencemuseumgroup.org.uk/297/158/small_thumbnail_yinp741_0001_0002__0002_.jpg)
![Oil can, used to oil the moving parts of textile machinery.](https://coimages.sciencemuseumgroup.org.uk/297/157/small_thumbnail_yinp741_0001_0002__0003_.jpg)
Oil can, used to oil the moving parts of textile machinery.
To keep them running smoothly, textile machines needed consistent oiling of their moving parts. Oil reduces friction, heat and wear, and prevents rust. Some lubricants used were carcinogenic. Mule spinners' cancer was caused by the oil used to lubricate the spindles on a spinning mule, which soaked into spinners' thin cotton overalls as they tended the machines. The disease was first reported in 1887.
Details
- Category:
- Textile Industry
- Object Number:
- YINP741.1.2
- Materials:
- metal (unknown)
- Measurements:
-
overall: 90 mm x 380 mm x 90 mm,
- type:
- oil can