We often see
instances where a fortune would last a man much longer if he
lived upon his capital, than if he sent it into trade. Crotchet
soon became insolvent."
John Lombe, who had been a mechanic in Crotchet's silk mill, lost
his situation accordingly. But he seems to have been possessed
by an intense desire to ascertain the Italian method of
silk-throwing. He could not learn it in England. There was no
other method but going to Italy, getting into a silk mill, and
learning the secret of the Italian art. He was a good mechanic
and a clever draughtsman, besides being intelligent and fearless.
But he had not the necessary money wherewith to proceed to Italy.
His half-brother Thomas, however, was doing well in London, and
was willing to help him with the requisite means. Accordingly,
John set out for Italy, not long after the failure of Crotchet.
John Lombe succeeded in getting employment in a silk mill in
Piedmont, where the art of silk-throwing was kept a secret. He
was employed as a mechanic, and had thus an opportunity, in
course of time, of becoming familiar with the operation of the
engine. Hutton says that he bribed the workmen; but this would
have been a dangerous step, and would probably have led to his
expulsion, if not to his execution. Hutton had a great
detestation of the first silk factory at Derby, where he was
employed when a boy; and everything that he says about it must be
taken cum grano salis.
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