Albert A. Hopkins (1869–1939)

Absolutely essential reading for anyone seriously interested in the history of locks and lockmaking.

Just below the picture on page 62 the sentence "Linus Yale, Jr., was never in partnership with his father..." is essentially incorrect. They may never have formed a legal partnership but they did work together for at least six years. Linus Yale, Sr., built an addition onto his lockshop so that Jr. could have his own office and workspace. During the time that they worked together Jr.'s patents were recorded at Newport, NY.… (mere)

Scientific American Magazine has been producing fascinating articles now for well over one hundred sixty years. This book captures some of the "vast compendium of useful information" from the first fifty years of the magazine's history. Much more than just an encyclopedia, the "Cyclopedia" provides recipes for making, and notes on using thousands of common substances and items. Following is an excerpt:
"Sarsaparilla -
Sassafras bark bruised .. 1 lb
Licorice root bruised .. 7 oz
Water .. 2 1/2 gal
Oil of sassafras .. 1 1/2 drm
Oil of wintergreen .. 2 drm
Alcohol, 95% .. 2 oz
Boil the sassafras and licorice in teh water half an hour. Strain through flannel, then add the sirup. Dissolve the oils in the alcohol, and add them to the sirup. Agitate the mixture freely.… (mere)