Francis Inglis Walker

Nic Costa, author Automatic Pleasures- the History fthe Coin Machine

29 September 2016, 14:58

Francis Inglis Walker also developed a very early coin operated machine in 1888.
The article is as follows:
AUTOMATIC SUPPLY MACHINES-INVENTED BY A GALASHIELS STATIONER—There is something peculiarly worthy the attention undents of human nature in the extent to which multitudes of the population patronise automatic supply machines. Why are so constantly kept clicking the pennies are dropped in and their drawers emptied a role, it is not because value entices people, for could they not make better bargain at the nearest shop I For their penny, investors could get chocolate good and more of any confectioner's. It is not the chance of good luck, for from the machine comes with unvarying monotony whatever they demand; be it Everton toffee, a post-card, a pencil, or a cigarette. The purchase certainly kind of "blind swop," but unlike that practised schoolboys, there is no attempt to gain advantage on either side. " Pennies only" must given on the one hand, and black and white is plainly set down what will given the other. It cannot lie that it is more handy, in many cases the machines for supplying note-books and pencils are placed the open doors of stationers and those for cigars at the doors of tobacconists. To Scotchmen, perhaps, the machines commend themselves because with their aid they can make their purchases in silence. There is no need of addressing any one or of expressing one's requirements, and that something with some people who " would rather want than ask." The Scotchman loves silence, and certainly he bates fuss. What torture he might have to go through if entered shop and had to undergo questioning as to whether he would prefer a thin or a thick card, or would not take two or a dozen, and so effect a saving. what botheration he might be caused if the eelier did not know where to find them, and after looking through every nook and cranny of the shop informed him that they had tone " until tbey came from Edinburgh." is saved all this by these automatic machines, which thrust a variety of goods before his notice, and in this way also create demand. There perhaps something pleasant the operation itself of popping in a penny and drawing forth something. Little Jack Horner, according to tradition, was immensely gratified when he put in his thumb and pulled out a plum. Cynical Englishmen might suggest that he was also able to purchase his luxuries in very small quantities. At these machines he would not feel mean or childish in purchasing "a pennyworth" of Everton toffee! Whatever be the cause of their popularity, these contrivances certainly are much patronised, and the variety of goods supplied by their means is constantly on the increase. A Galashiels stationer (Mr Francis I. Walker) has just erected a machine at his door for the supply of penny packets stationery. It has been made by himself, and he claims that it has been constructed in an entirely new principle. It makes short work of anything but pennies. The pen and pencil machine he had previously in operation got constantly out of order by the dropping in of paper, matches farthings, old halfpennies, buttons, spectacle eyes, tea checks, 44 washers," &c. this new machine, styled " Walker's Automatic Penny Stationery Packet Machine,'' all these are consigned some means to the back of the box, and so do not affect the process by which the drawer bearing the packet of stationery is relieved. The machine also proof against the tricks which have been wrought on other machines, and thus does not offer the same temptation to dishonest youths tamper with it. The bulky packet of stationery which it gives forth in exchange for a penny looks like big bargain.