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deinonychus commented on the word air loom
"Matthews believed that a gang of criminals and spies skilled in 'pneumatic chemistry' had taken up residence at London Wall in Moorfields (close to Bethlem) and were tormenting him by means of rays emitted by a machine called the 'Air Loom'. The torments induced by the rays included 'Lobster-cracking', during which the circulation of the blood was prevented by a magnetic field; 'Stomach-skinning'; and 'Apoplexy-working with the nutmeg grater' which involved the introduction of fluids into the skull. His persecutors bore such names as 'the Middleman' (who operated the Air Loom), 'the Glove Woman' and 'Sir Archy' (who acted as 'repeaters' or 'active worriers' to enhance Matthews' torment or record the machine's activities) and their leader, a man called 'Bill, or the King'." (Wikipedia)
(And after reading that, I would really like to read the book titled Illustrations of Madness: Exhibiting a Singular Case of Insanity, And a No Less Remarkable Difference in Medical Opinions: Developing the Nature of An Assailment, And the Manner of Working Events; with a Description of Tortures Experienced by Bomb-Bursting, Lobster-Cracking and Lengthening the Brain. Embellished with a Curious Plate by John Haslam.)
July 3, 2012