Bellows

(bel'loz.) (s. and pl.) [From A.S. bælg, belly.] An instrument or machine for blowing fire, so contrived as to suck in and eject air alternately, by enlarging and contracting its capacity. It is also used with organs and other pneumatic instruments to feed them with a proper supply of air. The air which enters, the B. is compre ed when they are closed, and flows with a velocity proportional to the force by which it is compre ed. B. of very great power are commonly known as blowing-machines. The use of Fig. 77. B. for the forge EARLY EGYPTIAN BELLOWS. and furnace is traced up to the time of Moses, being represented on a tomb at Thebes which bears the name of Thothmes III. (Fig. 77.) They consisted of a leathern bag, secured and fitted into a frame, from which a long pipe extended for carrying the wind to the fire. They were worked by the feet, the operator standing upon them with one under each foot and pre ing them alternately, while he pulled up each exhausted skin with a string he held inhis hand. [s. 86]