We have heard many times how the automated loom using punched cards
invented by Joseph Marie Jacquard revolutionized the weaving industry.
It has also been noted how this design influenced the player piano and
other roll- and book-playing mechanical music machines.  But Jacquard
himself was influenced by other inventions.

While in Paris this spring, I was fortunate to visit the Musee des Arts
et Metiers.  Not only do they have an extraordinary collection of
automata, their diverse collection demonstrates the development of
technology, including steam engines, clocks, automobiles and much more.
A fascinating exhibition for those interested in mechanical items.

While at the museum, I saw a model of a loom using punched cards and
immediately recognized it as a Jacquard loom.  Or so I thought.  The
explanatory card with the exhibit credited this invention to Jean
Philippe Falcon in 1728.  I later asked Philippe Rouille about it who
confirmed this to be correct.

In subsequent research I learned the following:  Falcon invented his
loom using punched cards in 1728.  Jacques Vaucanson invented the first
automatic loom in 1745.  It was Jacquard who combined the inventions
of these two men and created the automatic loom using punched cards.
The patent date was 1801.

I do not wish to discredit Jacquard in any way.  Instead, it made me
curious.  How often has one invented a component of a mechanical music
or other machine, and then another person comes along and applies this
component in a new way?  Player pianos, music boxes, street organs,
etc.  are probably not single inventions but rather a combination of
inventions applied collectively in a new manner.  The same can be said
of many other inventions.

If you have the opportunity to visit Paris, try to tear yourself away
from the long lines and crowds at the Louvre and visit the Musee des
Arts et Metiers.  It will be a pleasant experience.

Joyce Brite
Player Piano and Mechanical Music Exchange
http://mmd.foxtail.com/Exchange/