Cutlery

It originally embraced the manufacture of all cutting implements of whatever form and material, but now several kinds of edge-tools, saws and similar implements are regarded as distinct branches and a number of articles not strictly cutting implements are included. Shells and sharp stones were the most ancient cutting implements. Bronze was used by the Romans up to the beginning of the Christian era. Surgical instruments have been found at Pompeii, the bronze being tempered. Damascus was one of the first cities noted for its blades, especially swords. Toledo in Spain and Ferrara in Italy acquired a high reputation for cutlery during the Middle Ages. Later England outstripped them all in designs, elegance of finish and cheapne , Sheffield being most noted. In surgical instruments France excels. The men in the grinding department work in an atmosphere loaded with fine dust of silica and steel, inducing inflammation of the lungs, pleurisy and "grinders' asthma." IMG:content-1062.jpg:[merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][graphic][graphic][merged small] IMG:content-1063.png:[merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][graphic] IMG:content-1064.png:[graphic] Pier, Victoria Bridge, Montreal. In shipwright ing, the forward edge of the stem or prow of a ve el; that which divides the water right and left.