Always Has Been: Chapter 1: Sybilla Masters and Her Cornstalk Processing Machine

In 1775, American colonial inventor Sybilla Masters developed a machine revolutionizing cornstalk processing by increasing fiber efficiency for diverse goods like clothing and paper. Despite its promise, the invention faced resistance from workers and artisans fearing job loss, while patent challenges in England further hindered adoption. Consequently, socio-economic fears and legal obstacles limited the machine's impact, stalling agricultural advancements in the region.