One hundred years ago
THE EVIDENCE that a German tailor, named Dowe, has invented a bullet- proof cloth, weighing about 61b per suit more than ordinary cloth, seems to be irresistible. The German Staff were incredulous, but on experiment it was found that the cloth, even at two hun- dred paces, shattered the bullet. The blow at that distance would, of course, be dreadful; but the man would survive. Such a cloth is equivalent to chain- armour without its weight, and may immensely reduce the reluctance to come to close quarters. It will greatly limit the efficiency of cavalry in pursuit, and we should say would revolutionise the method of armouring ships. No hint of the nature of the composition has been revealed, but its discovery appears to be past doubt.
The Spectator 25 March 1893
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