old mode of pouring the molten metal into the moulds was by means of a
large ladle with one or two cross handles and levers; but many dreadful
accidents occurred through a slip of the hand, and Mr. Nasmyth
resolved, if possible, to prevent them. The plan he adopted was to fix
a worm-wheel on the side of the ladle, into which a worm was geared,
and by this simple contrivance one man was enabled to move the largest
ladle on its axis with perfect ease and safety. By this means the work
was more promptly performed, and accidents entirely avoided.

Mr. Nasmyth's skill in invention was backed by great energy and a large
fund of common sense--qualities not often found united. These proved
of much service to the concern of which he was the head, and indeed
constituted the vital force. The firm prospered as it deserved; and
they executed orders not only for England, but for most countries in
the civilized world. Mr. Nasmyth had the advantage of being trained in
a good school--that of Henry Maudslay--where he had not only learnt
handicraft under the eye of that great mechanic, but the art of
organizing labour, and (what is of great value to an employer)
knowledge of the characters of workmen. Yet the Nasmyth firm were not
without their troubles as respected the mechanics in their employment,
and on one occasion they had to pass through the ordeal of a very
formidable strike. The manner in which the inventor of the
steam-hammer literally "Scotched" this strike was very characteristic.

A clever young man employed by the firm as a brass founder, being found
to have a peculiar capacity for skilled mechanical work, had been
advanced to the lathe. The other men objected to his being so employed
on the ground that it was against the rules of the trade. "But he is a
first-rate workman," replied the employers, "and we think it right to
advance a man according to his conduct and his merits." "No matter,"
said the workmen, "it is against the rules, and if you do not take the
man from the lathe, we must turn out." "Very well; we hold to our
right of selecting the best men for the best places, and we will not
take the man from the lathe." The consequence was a general turn out.
Pickets were set about the works, and any stray men who went thither to
seek employment were waylaid, and if not induced to turn back, were
maltreated or annoyed until they were glad to leave. The works were
almost at a standstill. This state of things c