New answers to old questions: Explaining the slow adoption of ring spinning in Lancashire, 1880-1913

Authors
Citation
T. Leunig, New answers to old questions: Explaining the slow adoption of ring spinning in Lancashire, 1880-1913, J ECON HIST, 61(2), 2001, pp. 439-466
Citations number
41
Categorie Soggetti
History
Journal title
JOURNAL OF ECONOMIC HISTORY
ISSN journal
00220507 → ACNP
Volume
61
Issue
2
Year of publication
2001
Pages
439 - 466
Database
ISI
SICI code
0022-0507(200106)61:2<439:NATOQE>2.0.ZU;2-G
Abstract
This article reexamines theories previously advanced to explain Lancashire' s slow adoption of ring spinning. New cost estimates show that although add itional transport costs and technical complementarities reduced ring adopti on rates, these supply-side constraints were not dominant. Instead what mat tered most were demand-side factors. Lancashire produced far more fine yams than other countries, and this yam was better spun on mules. Furthermore, Lancashire had a sizeable export trade in yarn, a market again more suited to mule spinning. Low ring adoption rates were thus a rational response to demand patterns dominated by high-quality goods.