Oil can for oiling textile machinery
- Made:
- 1880-1940




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.
On display
Science and Industry Museum: Textiles Gallery
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Details
- Category:
- Textile Industry
- Object Number:
- YINP741.1.2
- type:
- oil can
- taxonomy:
-
- furnishing and equipment
- container - receptacle
- furnishing and equipment
- tools & equipment
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