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Knight's Mechanical Encyclopedia (ed. Knight), C. (search)
dered it possible. The Romans knew how important an agent in civilization were the roads, and the memorials of their genius yet remain in Europe. Facility of transportation is necessary to progress, and the early nations were either maritime or dependent upon some great river which was the artery of the empire. Witness the Mediterranean, the Nile, Euphrates, and Tigris; these waters washed all the lands of historic interest from Noah to Constantine. We must except far Cathay, — China. Stowe dates the making of coaches in England from 1555, and credits Walter Rippin with the making of the same. The canopies of these coaches were supported by pillars on the bodies, surrounded by curtains of cloth or leather, which were folded up when so desired. They were heavy, clumsy, and destitute of springs. They were driven by a postilion, and where four horses were used, the man who rode the near wheel-horses drove the leaders with reins. The driver's seat was added at a later period.