In his book Philosophy of Manufactures, Andrew Ure extolled the possibilities of the "automatic" factory. This woodcut features on the first page of the book: it shown the large-scale use of mechanical looms driven by a central power source.
Power Loom Factory of Thomas Robinson Esqr, Stockport, print, 17.5 x 32 cm, 1849–1850, engraving: Joseph Wilson Lowry (1803–1879), drawing: James Nasmyth (1808–1890); source: © Science Museum / Science & Society Picture Library, Image No. 10422728.