Miriam Courtney, age 13, of Shreveport, La., for her question:
WHEN WAS THE NEEDLE INVENTED?
We don't know when the needle was first invented, but we do know the important tool dates back to ancient times. The earliest needles were made of bone, ivory, wood, bronze or thorn. Some were actually awls since they had no eyes.
Early needles were used mainly to punch holes in material. Sinews, thin strips of leather, or long plant fibers were then pushed through the holes to bind pieces together.
We have found needles made of stone in some of the ruins of ancient Egypt. Bronze and iron needles were known to the Romans. Well made needles of various materials were also found in the ruins of Pompeii, Italy.
Steel needles, much like those now in use, are believed to have been made first by the Chinese and then brought into Europe by the Moors during the Middle Ages. The first steel needles of European make were manufactured at Nuremberg, Germany, in the 14th century.
During the reign of Queen Elizabeth I of England, a German merchant by the name of Elias Grouse taught the art of needlemaking to the English. It is an important industry in England now and is centered at Redditch, Worcestershire.
The manufacture of needles is a small industry in the United States and Canada, so large quantities are imported. England and France are the world's principal producers.
Ordinary sewing needles are made from Sheffield steel wire. This steel wire is cut into lengths long enough to make two needles. The wire is heated to a dull red and rolled on a flat steel plate to ensure evenness and straightness. Each end of the wire is ground to a point on a grinding wheel and the center section of the wire is stamped, making a flat place for the eyes. An automatic press cuts grooves in the center section of the wire and makes an eye in each groove. The wire is then cut apart to make two needles, and the eyes are ground smooth.
The needles are hardened and then tempered, or made tough, by heating. This gives them springiness.
The most common of the needles used today is the sewing needle. It is sharply pointed at one end and at the other it has an eye through which thread is passed.
The sewing machine needle has its eye near the point and a groove on one side to help guide the thread. The crochet needle on the other hand has a hook near the point and thread is caught in the hook instead of going through an eye.
Knitting needles are straight and have no eyes. The yarn is looped around the needle.
Curved needles are used for sewing upholstery and shoes. Curved needles are also used by surgeons for sewing up wounds in the flesh. They are made of rustless steel.
Another medical needle is the hypodermic needle. It is hollow and has an eye near the point through which fluid passes.
And here's another needle you shouldn't forget: the phonograph needle. It is usually straight and may be tipped with diamond or sapphire.