In 1853, Mr. Purden patented a solid-chisel mortising machine. His innovation was to provide a split bed that could be adjusted to support either side of the chisel and prevent tearout on through-mortises. A surviving example has been seen and photos are available in our Photo Index.
Information Sources
- An 1853 article in Scientific American discussed Purden's newly patented mortiser.
- A 1769 listing of taxes paid in Philadelphia, page 159, lists "Fergus Purden, paver". Obviously this is too early to be the mortiser maker but shows that Fergus is a name used in the Purden family and we must not assume that any "Fergus Purden" is our man.
- 1851 Fourth Annual Exhibition of the Maryland Institute, held in Baltimore 1851 (Book published 1853). Page 37, in a listing of entrants in "Class No. 31.—Carpenters' and Turners' Machinery and Tools": "1263.—1 Morticing Machine, made and deposited by Fergus Purden." On page 51: in a Report of the Judges:
1263.—A Foot Treadle Machine, by Fergus Purden of Baltimore, and although the Machine of Mr. McClintic possesses much merit, we are of the opinion that the Machine of Mr. Purden is the best, and for the following reasons.
1st. The Machine of Mr. Purden can be furnished at a much cheaper rate than McClintic's, the difference in favor of Purden's Machine being nearly one-half.
2d. The Machine of Purden is more simple in its arrangement, more compact, and not so liable to get out of order by use.
3d. That upon the Treadle Machine to be worked with the foot, one third, at least, more work can be done in a given time than can be done on a hand lever machine.
We therefore assign to the Machine of Mr. Purden the first degree of excellence.
On page 53 it says that this entry was awarded a Silver Medal.