IMPROVEMENTS IN MILITARY EQUIPMENTS
Year: 1877

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to Edward Griffith Brewer, of 33, Chancery Lane, in the
County of Middlesex, for the Invention of "IMPROVEMENTS IN MILITARY
EQUIPMENTS." A communication from abroad by Edmond Sèches, of Paris,
France.
Sealed the 21st May 1878, and dated the 21st November 1877.
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said Edward Griffith Brewer at
the Office of the Commissioners of Patents on the 21st November 1877.
EDWARD GRIFFITH BREWER, of 33, Chancery Lane, in the County of Middlesex.
"IMPROVEMENTS IN MILITARY EQUIPMENTS." (A communication from abroad by
Edmond Sèches, of Paris, France.)
By military equipment is to be understood the knapsack, tent, covering, or
blanket, and the like, which by their combination form one single object or article,
the article combined in the knapsack being reduced.
With this system is given to the soldier,-
First. Much greater comfort than heretofore.
Second. Less weight to carry.
Third. Greater promptitude in his different operations.
Fourth. An easier classification and easier mode of packing up, contrary to the
present system, where the tent, pegs, covering, or blanket and knapsack form four
different articles. The object has been to put them all together in such a way as to
form only one article.
According to this Invention there are several arrangements, reserving the right of
modifying the arrangement of the details.
Annexed to this description are several illustrations of modes of carrying this
Invention into effect, which are as follows:-
Arrangement No. 1 includes the canvas for the tent, the blanket or covering, and
knapsack, with this peculiarity that the tent may be used,-
First. As a tent, properly so called.
Secondly. As a camp bed, with its covering.

page_text: The Knapsack. This is constructed according to regimental regulations as to
size and internal arrangement. It is provided with, in addition to its other parts,
a box made of some supple material or reserve cartridge case, in such manner that
when it is required to take out cartridges from the reserve cartridge case for the
requirements of the service, a strap is unfastened, and the packets of cartridges
slide out. This knapsack, while preserving the appearance and regulation size, is
much lighter, for the knapsack contains all that the soldier requires; it is of a
strength calculated according to the weight it has to carry. By this system a
greater weight can be put in the interior, the unique or special object of which is
the combining together of all the articles required by the soldier, the india-rubber
leather wrapper, taking all the wear, offers a great resistance, preserves all the interior,
and weight is economized or reduced.
Tent or Canvas.-The expression "tent is here made use of because it is the
term generally used, only it is wrong in what concerns this Invention, for in this
case the fabric serves not only for a tent, but it also serves as a camp bed and
cloak by means of special arrangements about to be described.
The fabric is coated on the outside face with india-rubber, preferably black, and
is provided with a piece of leather, the use of which will be explained
further on.
It is not indispensable that it be coated with india-rubber; it is provided on a
portion of its surface with a covering of flannel or other analogous material, and
attached by means of glue, sewing, or otherwise; considerable importance is attached
to the folds which are indicated on the materials itself.
Supposing the fabric to be wholly unfolded, one part the soldier ought to lie on
when this fabric is used as the camp bed, and the other part which carries the
covering flannel is for covering him. This is the first operation of the folding.
Second operation.-The first fold is made at the lower part, and the whole folded
over.
Third operation. Refold the whole.
Fourth operation. Refold for the fourth time, and the first part which is in
leather is seen. It is provided with straps or necessary bands for buckling it, for
the fabric thus folded is intended to cover the knapsack, and the length of the
rectangle is calculated so as to be able to entirely cover it, with the exception of the
side faces.
The knapsack is provided with straps analogous to those of the fabric or tent in
such manner that the soldier may carry on his back either the knapsack only or the
knapsack covered with the tent; or with the same system of straps the covering
alone, which in certain cases is of considerable importance. When the knapsack is
wrapped in the fabric the straps of the knapsack are folded and enclosed in the said
fabric, and the straps of the fabric being fixed to the first part, are utilized. When
on the contrary the wrapping fabric is removed there are the straps of the knap-
sack, which can be used, and in one or other of the cases the mode of harnessing is
the same, except the difference in the weight which exists between the knapsack
and the knapsack increased by the fabric. In this type it should be well under-
stood that there is a means of buckling connected to the knapsack, properly so called,
and when the knapsack is wrapped in the fabric the lateral sides are open and the
knapsack is visible. The nature and arrangement of the folding of the fabric, which
forms several thicknesses, protects not only the knapsack and the articles it con-
tains from the rain and damp, but also from the sun and perspiration of the soldier
while on the march, perspiration which has penetrated through knapsacks as
ordinarily constructed, and has an injurious influence on the articles which it
contains.
As before stated, this type is designed as type No. 1. Its mode of construction
and its mode of folding are indicated in order to shew how to apply the fabric when
the soldier is on the march. If it is desired to employ it for the camp it is only
necessary to arrange the fabric flat, and spread out to its largest size; then the soldier
lying down on the part coated, the other part lined with flannel is brought over him.

page_text: He will then have on him a thickness of material and india-rubber which will pro-
tect him from the dampness of the soil, and he will have the same or similar
protection from damp and even from rain, and besides the covering or blanket
which will keep him warm. If he places his knapsack as a bolster or head rest, at
the same time the knapsack will be kept perfectly free from moisture, as well as
the articles which it contains, and as before described.
Having thus described the advantage of the system, and in order that it should
be well understood, that a number of combinations can be made on the same prin-
ciple, I will now proceed to describe several modified arrangements.
Arrangement No. 2-This is composed of fabric of the same size as that shewn
at No. 1, only the leather in the type No. 1 is dispensed with; then the internal
covering or blanket; and only put a coating of india-rubber on a part of the
external face of the fabric; then fold it as in the arrangement shewn and before
described at No. 1, and instead of wrapping the knapsack entirely the fabric is
refolded in such manner that the fabric thus folded will be seen at top and outside,
while that the knapsack proper will be carried directly on the back of the soldier.
The strap which forms a part of the knapsack should be of a relative length, long
enough not only to allow the fabric to be fixed on the knapsack, but enough to place
in it utensils or provisions required.
It is to be understood that in this arrangement it is the small knapsack partly
inside, partly outside, which carries the bucklings, and where there is no buckling
attached to the fabric.
Arrangement No. 2-This arrangement includes the knapsack before described,
with my improvements, only the covering or blanket is composed of the arrangement
shewn in No. 1, by dispensing with the cover and the leather. The folding is the
same, but the fabric is entirely coated on the outer surface, and placed as in arrange-
ment No. 2, that is to say, that it does not entirely cover the knapsack, and that it
only carries on the top and outer part, the back of the soldier being in contact with
the knapsack.
Arrangement No. 3.-The material which composes this arrangement is similar
to the arrangement No. 1, only substitute a supple or flexible satchel for the rigid
knapsack. This satchel has the advantage of being easily transported, in fact, it
contains the same articles as the ordinary knapsack. When it is separated from
the fabric, it may be carried on the shoulder like a sportsman's game bag, by means
of the strap, and it adapts itself more easily to the movements of the body; it may
be combined with a reserve cartouche box. This cartouche box is composed of a
tube of strong leather entirely closed at one of its ends, and at the other provided
with a fastening resembling those used by carriers and others, that is to say, that
the holes are bored round the circumference. A strap, lace, or band is passed through
the said holes, so that it is only necessary to pull one of the ends of the laces to
sufficiently close up the mouth of the cartridge case, that the articles which it
contains cannot escape. The bands or cords which are fitted to the cartridge holder
are sufficiently long, that when required they can be used as straps that the soldier
may carry his reserve cartridge box over his shoulder.
It will be seen that the whole of the knapsack or supple pocket has no angle or
sharp points, so that when using it as a knapsack its carriage is easy. In a state
of knapsack combined with the fabric, its carriage is equally easy and agreeable to
the eye, and when used as a head rest it offers a suppleness greater than the rigid
knapsack. Both have, besides, their advantages, and it will be practice that will
decide which is the most useful, whether it be the rigid knapsack or the supple
satchel knapsack.
The cartouche box and supple satchel combined with the fabric, arrangement No. 1.
is unnecessary to give details of the modes of combination, which are the same or
similar as in arrangement No. 1, and the mode of packing up the knapsack and
fabric. The lateral sides are formed by means of buckles, which are not used in
arrangement No. 1.

page_text: pendent when required, although admitting the case where the soldier may be
deprived of his knapsack and contents, that is to say, of a great part of his load,
and have the means without difficulty of partially carrying his equipment.
Any other application of camping in front of the knapsack will be included
within the conditions of this Invention, already indicated outside, by means of the
envelope, or of the arrangement for camping where the fastening is made behind.
SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent filed
by the said Edward Griffith Brewer in the Great Seal Patent Office on the
21st May 1878.
EDWARD GRIFFITH BREWER, of 33, Chancery Lane, in the County of Middlesex.
"IMPROVEMENTS IN MILITARY EQUIPMENTS." (A communication from abroad by
Edmond Seches, of Paris, France.)
These improvements are applicable to military equipments; the object is not only
to augment the power of an army, but they confer a great service to humanity in
alleviating to a great degree the crushing load usually carried by the soldier.
The results may be thus recapitulated,-
1st. An equitable distribution of the weight a man is able to carry is effected by
a well-calculated utilization of the muscles of the man.
2nd. A considerable reduction in the relative weight to that which the soldier has
to carry.
I will take here as an illustration the average weight adopted by different govern-
monts

page_text: I believe it to be unnecessary to give a detailed description of the first trials, as
the description of the last improvements will render the Invention quite intelligible.
This new system of equipment is composed of four parts,-
1st. C, tent fabric or covering, bed, mantle, poncho covering.
<<
2nd. C, Seche's" havresack or knapsack.
3rd. Reserve cartouche box.
4th. Waist straps.
I will commence with description of what the inventor calls a sack wallet
(musette) shewn at A¹, tent fabric, bed, mantle poncho, represented at C (fabric
with buttons or laces), covering moveable, not adherent to the fabric, forming
clothing in case of necessity, flannel or fine wool being applied on the fabric, or
cotton, calicoes, or other suitable material, whereby the waistcoat of the soldier may
be dispensed with, and furnishing for the cold a clothing under the cap, and if necessary
allowing the wool to dry or not to use it. This covering forms clothing when
required, with flap, with button holes, enabling the clothing to be available for
winter or summer.
Figure Crepresents it completely opened; it is composed of a first fabric c¹,
coated in the interior with a coating of india-rubber, on which is applied two
coverings of Segovia wool c; these coverings are intended to serve as a bed for the
soldier, and to keep off the damp. It will be understood in fact that if he sleeps on
one of these coverings (placed under him), and puts the other over him, he will be
completely protected, and can close himself up completely, either by buttons or by
any other means of closing, effecting the junction of these two parts by means of lace
et, passing into the eyelets . In Figure Ca is seen the appearance of one of these
tent beds, with a soldier underneath. As each soldier will have one of the tent bed
coverings, two may be connected together, and the closing always accomplished by
means of lacing c and c³, and it will present the appearance shewn at Figure Cb.
The part c may be turned down at the end, so as to leave a passage for a certain
amount of air to pass, so that the men may breathe, preventing at the same time
the admission of rain. This is for the fabric bed, but it may be employed as a tent
by arranging the parts accordingly.
Poncho Mantle. It will be seen at C7 that an aperture is formed in the fabric;
this aperture is covered by a small cape c. When the soldier goes to bed he puts
down this small cape, which will be held either by buttons or hooks; when, on the
contrary, he wants to use the fabric as a mantle or poncho, he undoes the hooks or
buttons, places his head through the aperture c formed for the purpose. He will
thus obtain a warm covering, convenient and impermeable, the appearance of which
is shewn at Cc, Cd, and Co. "It will be seen by examining the Drawing that not only
the soldier but the whole of his armament is protected. The part C will form a
collar on the back. This is the first part of my Invention in that which concerns
its employment either as a tent, bed, or as a mantle or poncho. Besides these two
uses, as it is necessary at a given time to pack up, it will be seen at Figures C*,
C**, ***, C***** (*****) (*******, the different modes of folding. C******
shews the last mode of folding, and we shall find further on its method of adoption
for the distribution of the load.
Second part of the Invention.
Havresack or Knapsack. This is represented at Figure C¹; Figure C¹× repre-
sents the inside view of the havresack opened; Figure Cxx represents the appear-
ance externally of the havresack opened out; Figure C¹××× represents the havresack
closed, seen externally; and Figure C¹×××× represents the same havresack always
closed, seen from the side, which rests on the back of the soldier, with the straps c¹0
for going over the shoulders, the straps cll serving to buckle the sack. It should be
understood that this latter part carries inside the regulated articles, for the straps
may be lengthened or shortered by buttons or T.
Reserve Cartouche Box.-This is represented at Figure C Figure C2× represents
an outside view of the cartouche box seen on the back of the soldier; Figure C2××
shews the side of the cartouche box, which is carried on the shoulder blades or chest.

page_text: It will be seen that it is composed of the cartridge case proper C¹³, which may
contain any number of cartridges, and furnished with straps Cs, C1, C₁; those, C¹¹³,
are intended to unite the cartouche box to the poncho; C is the waist strap adapted
to the waist by means of a button or hook Cio, and a strap serves to maintain the
reserve cartouche box on the shoulder blades of the soldier when incertain operations
he is obliged to lower; this strap is fixed to the havresack when the man is loaded
with it, and to the belt when he does not carry the said havresack.
It will be seen at Figures Of and Cg the manner of applying the cartouche box on
the shoulder blades and on the chest. There may be two cartouche boxes, containing
12 cartridges each, round the waist, and at the moment of firing one comes on the
plate for the sight point; these two small cartouche boxes are constructed under the
arrangements of ordinary cartouche boxes for the waist, and the dimensions may
vary, according to the size of the cartridges.
The reserve cartridge box is waterproof, being made of the same material as that
used for the havresack or "Seche's "knapsack. The uses to which it is capable of
being applied are very numerous. In campaign operations the soldier ought never
to be without it. It is to be placed on top of havresack or knapsack, well
fixed on shoulder blades, and is maintained in front by means of a small strap which
is buckled under the sack by very simple buckling, and unbuckling instantaneously.
Its position on the shoulder blades over the havresack, acting as near as possible as
lever, is so well calculated, and the load distributed so evenly that the augmentation
of weight that the soldier has to carry is practically imperceptible.
The Belt. This is shewn in Figure C3; Figure C³× is an inside view, and C³× ×
is an external view. It will be seen that it consists of a first strap C17 provided at
one of its ends with a loop C18, and at the other end with a small strap C20
which serves to regulate the tightness by means of a strip C; the largest strap
passes through slide C21 carrying a plate C provided or pierced with holes C23 to
fit the studs C2 which are fixed on the loop C18. By this means two modes of regu-
lating are obtained, one by means of the small strap C20, and the other by the
holes C23
In Figure C the mode of packing up is shewn. C is the cloth tent bed poncho,
C' is the "Seches'" knapsack, and C2 is the reserve cartridge holder.
At Figures C, C³, and C, a soldier is shewn with the apparatus applied and fitted
with or without special implements.
Having thus described the different parts which constitute the Invention, I will
confine myself to giving at Figures C and C, two comparative examples of a soldier;
fitted with the old mode and the new mode of packing up. Figure C4 represents
the new arrangement according to this Invention, that is to say, the load equally dis-
tributed on the shoulders and shoulder blades. At Figure C³ is shewn the old way
of packing up, and the whole load resting on the shoulders, at the same time pulling
or squeezing on the arm pit.
The inventor has tried on a soldier's back the new knapsack with a load for a
campaign, excepting biscuits and the preserve box; the kettle has been replaced by
a small board on which weights were placed until they became insupportable; the
weight then represented 50 kilos. in excess. Afterwards the new knapsack was
tried with the same campaigning load, with, in addition, the preserve box and two
days' food. The small board being adapted and loaded in the same way, the soldier
was able to carry with ease 71 kilos. This experiment has proved in a conclusive
manner that the new system requires only a small portion of the man's strength,
while at the same time free provision is allowed for the movements of the body.
The advantages of this system consist in materially and mechanically lessening the
load which the soldier has to carry by over 8 kilos., and by the new system without
other important advantages, the load is reduced or lessened by 3 kilos. Under existing
conditions, in rainy weather, the load is increased by about 3 or 4 kilos.; by the
new system the load remains the same. Mechanically, through a better distribution
of the load, it is lessened by more than 8 kilos.. From the fact that in the
new system, although the load preserves its unity, it is very nearly articulated, and

page_text: thus the necessary strains to bear are divided. Then several small strains bear on
several surfaces, instead of having a single and considerable one bearing on one
single surface, this strain being occasioned through the compact load bearing on this
very surface. Thus a great relief for the muscles is evidently obtained.
The "Seche's" knapsack occupies only 0.m 41 x 0.m2 of the surface of the
back; it is isolated from any other object; its thickness is less than those
actually in use. The kettles are placed at the end of a shorter lever, resulting
in a sensible relief for the soldier (this arrangement allows the small kettles to be
inserted into the larger; this was forbidden in the existing system, by reason of the
length of the lever's arm).
This new knapsack is more comfortable for wear; cases of illness are reduced. The
box being done away with, there is no more fear of hurting the soldier's back as is
the case with the existing knapsack. The soldier has thus at hand a waterproof
coat, a camp bed, he rests or lies on woollen material, he has a blanket, a tent.
As all the articles are waterproofed, he is protected from rain and moisture.
thin woollen but fine fabric (Segovia) keeps him warm.
The advantages for army service may be sumuned up as follows:-
A
1st. Firing whilst lying on the ground is now impossible, firing in two ranks is
most difficult. These two inconveniences are remedied by this Invention.
2nd. Camping operations are less visible to the enemy.
3rd. Greater facility for packing in railway carriages by reason of the small
place taken.
4th. Great facility for getting at the reserved cartridges without opening the bag.
5th. Reducing the chances of abandoning the knapsack, &c., &c., the load being
able to be carried more easily than heretofore.
6th. Movements of the soldier are rendered freer than usual.
7th. Extreme simplicity in packing, whereby an encampment may be raised in four
minutes.
8th. Rapidity in all maneuvres.
9th. At present, to carry a single object the soldier has to carry his knapsack
with all its contents; according to the new arrangement this inconvenience is
avoided.
10th. Another advantage, which may be very valuable, will be to render uniform
in all the regiments the packing up of the load.
From the fact that at the present time each regiment, and, it may be added, each
battallion, has its own way of organising the load when in campaign; now the sack
may be carried complete or separately.
1st. The reserve cartridge holder only.
2nd. The cartridge holder with camping materials.
3rd. The cartridge holder with a single tool.
4th. The three named may be carried all together (cartridge holder, tool, and
camping materials) which may be packed up in a simple and very rapid way, and
again without being compelled to carry away the sack if not found necessary to
do so.
Recapitulation of the "materiel" and mechanical advantages of this new method of
regulating the loads of soldiers during campaigns; complete isolation of objects, the
transportation of which may be found useful in some circumstances, while at the
same time preserving unity in ordinary cases.
The preceding details shew with clearness the material diminution of the load of
from about 3 to 7 kilos. As to the 4k 500 which are carried on the shoulder blades,
it is easy to understand that as the equilibrium is arranged in such a way that it
cannot be considered as a weight of 4k 500 to add, as it does not load either the
shoulders or the sack itself, as proved by experiments. These results are obtained
through mechanical arrangements forming levers and counterweight, whereby the sol-
dier can easily carry this load of 4k 500. In consequence, if maneuvres are necessary
to accustom soldiers to great marches, it will be found unnecessary to have them
constantly repeated with campaiguing loads, as they will not be much more

page_text: loaded in garrison than in campaign. Thus the result will be an economy of strength
valuable for the future of the country.
Traction through the shoulders, which compress the muscles so strongly in making
use of braces and counter straps, is at the present time of 16 kilo 500 (minimum),
with the "Seches' "knapsack will be reduced to 8k 045 (maximum).
It may be thus asserted that a load so distributed leaves the soldier freedom to
employ more than half of his strength, which is now lost by the use of the existing
sack, as experiments made have proved as before described.
Description of the Canvas Tent Bed, Covering Cape, Waterproof Fabric, and how
it is Made. This was at first made with the india-rubber coating on the exterior,
but after repeated experiments it has been found that it was great mistake, as
from the fact it is intended to be laid down on the ground, the roughness of which
causes continuous friction, and by adding to this the movements of the men who lie
on it, it will be found that it is impossible for the coating of india-rubber not to be
frayed at first, then to skin off, and be torn off in some places, and thus to render
unfit to keep the damp away; this will always occur if the india-rubber comes in
direct contact with the soil. Through this conclusive proof it has been necessary to
employ supple india-rubber inserted between two fabrics; by this means the water-
proofing is rendered perfect, and it cannot be removed without the first covering
fabric has itself been removed through the rubbing off which is inevitable.
A covering so constructed offers all the necessary qualities; this is quite the
reverse if the india rubber is placed externally. Besides this, through the placing
of india-rubber between two fabrics it will bear without any inconvenience the most
rigorous climates, either hot or cold.
The Woollen Fabric.-This is very fine in order to be very light. It is well
known that light flannels are the warmest, and a fabric made of pure wool (Segovia)
will maintain heat better than a coarser fabric made with long wool (Algerian
wool).
Its Various Applications.-As a cape it is necessary to unbutton the middle
opening, taking care that the back part of it is outside, and that the small piece of
brown linen (which is destined to act as door when used as bed), being placed in
front in this case, that this small piece of brown linen must be always buttoned
inside. As the two small bands serving as collar, they must be overlapped on
each other, and when necessary buttoned by a button to close hermetically the
pieces which are on the chest, in order that the wet may not penetrate inside. Care
must be taken in putting on the pancho to pull the front well in order that the end
of the opening comes as near as possible to the back of the collar.
As Bed and Covering.-The soldier has only to spread it on the ground, after
having previously taken care to close the two button holes of the smallest band
by means of the largest, and then buttoning the latter to the largest linen bed
covering, to which the same precautions have been applied in order to close the
opening necessary for the pancho; it is also necessary to button up the linen bed
and the linen covering at the foot, then to lie under it and fold the whole up to the
face. In case of rain, or of excessive cold, it must be remembered that these two
linen tent bed coverings have two doors of brown linen, which must be unbuttoned
in order to close the couch, and these two linen pieces are fastened by means of the
two small pieces of wood arranged for that purpose. The linen bed covering may
also be used as bed for one man only, who has only to wrap himself up; by lying
on the ground in this way he is underneath the caoutchouc fabric and the woollen.
As waterproof fabric it is destined to guarantee the soldier from dampness arising
from the ground as referred to in the preceding descriptions.
Description of the Manner of Packing Up the Tent Fabric Bed, Covering Cape,
India rubber Fabric-The small pieces of brown linen, serving as a door to close the
two fabrics or cloths when united for lying down, must be always buttoned up.
The tent bed fabric is then stretched on the ground, and folded in two.equal parts,
1m 20 width, the black part being inside. Then it is refolded in three equal parts,
then two folds at the ends, and refolded over the whole in order to form a kind of

page_text: portmanteau; it is then placed in the cartridge box with the folds upwards, and is
buckled up with two straps. This packing up is very rapidly executed by a single
man.
It is very important to keep the middle opening always unbuttoned in order to
have the pancho in readiness. With regard to the reserved cartridge box there is
nothing to add to the previous description.
"Musette" or Wallet. This is destined to replace the ordinary appliance, which
is made of white fabric. According to this Invention it is made of india rubber
fabric similar to that of the fabric for the tent bed, covering cape, etc. Its size is
say, 0m 32 by 0m 27. It is divided in two by means of brown linen in order
to separate the provisions from other objects. This new wallet (musette) is in-
tended to contain a day's provision, and from fifteen to twenty small objects, which
are generally kept in the knapsacks, necessitating frequent opening of the latter,
and consequently causing them to be worn out more quickly.
Having now described the characteristic features of this Invention, and in what
manner the same is to be performed, it must be understood that the weights of load
before described are only examples of loads, and they are only given under reserve,
as well for the dimensions, the only exact figures given are those given in Figures
C5 and C in relation to the distribution of the load in order to relieve the soldier of
part of his load through a combined equilibrium, the principal characteristic of the
Invention, consisting,―
1st. To diminish the weight.
2nd. To distribute the load in a better manner by diminishing the lever's
arm, articulating the division of the load, and at last, by particular dispositions,
which establish or form counterweights, and annul to a certain extent the real
weight of the objects.
And, 3rd. Affording the soldier great comfort, a greater simplicity of mani-
pulation, and a considerable diminution of weight.
I claim,―
Firstly. The construction and employment of fabric tent bed coverings, cape
pancho, although being only one single article or object, having many applications,
substantially as set forth.
Secondly. The havresack or knapsack, combined and arranged substantially as
before described.
Thirdly. The reserve cartridge box, the arrangements of which are so calculated as
to compensate and distribute the load in equal parts on the centre of gravity, either
if the soldier is on march or at rest, substantially as set forth.
Fourthly. The belt, constructed substantially in the manner before described, in
order to regulate its fastening either by the employment of the internal strap or by
means of the regular plate before described.
In witness whereof, I, the said Edward Griffith Brewer, have hereunto set
my hand and seal, this Twenty-first day of May, in the year of our
Lord One thousand eight hundred and seventy-eight.
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