THE MECHANIC'S COMPANION, by Peter Nicholson, describes in detail the skilled building trades of the 19th Century: Carpentry; Joinery; Bricklaying; Masonry; Slating; Plastering; Painting; Smithing & Turning. In print for more than half a century, THE MECHANIC'S COMPANION was a primary reference for the amateur, the student and the practical mechanic.Published first in 1812 as Mechanical Exercises, then in 1831 as The Mechanic's Companion, this reprint of the 1850 edition is a true facsimile of the original book from our personal library. THE TOOLEMERA PRESS publishes classic books on early tools, trades and industries.