Cambridge Engineers Revive 1909 Bowling Machine

In 1909, a wooden machine crafted by mathematician Dr John Venn, famous for Venn diagrams, made headlines by clean bowling an Australian international cricketer four times during a visit to Cambridge. Engineers from the University of Cambridge have now brought this historic contraption back to life.

Dr Venn’s bowling machine, which hurled balls at a speed of 33 mph, was renowned for its precision. When the Australian cricket team visited Cambridge, the machine astounded everyone by consistently dismissing one of their top batsmen.

The modern recreation of Venn's invention, designed to inspire interest in mathematics and engineering, was a challenging endeavour. Engineers relied solely on a black-and-white photograph and a century-old patent to reconstruct the 7-foot device. This ingenious machine operates with a throwing arm powered by a bungee cord, applying spin to the ball through a mechanism involving a string, spindle, and bobbin.

Professor Hugh Hunt, an expert in engineering dynamics and vibration at Cambridge, spearheaded the project. Known for his investigative work on Channel 4’s "Dambusters: Building the Bouncing Bomb" and "Attack of The Zeppelins," Hunt remarked on the device’s historical significance and Venn's less-known ingenuity beyond his mathematical contributions. He highlighted the educational value of the project, aiming to reintroduce this piece of history and demonstrate the playful side of mathematics.

Thomas Glenday, who leads design and technical services in the engineering department, explained the complexities involved in the machine’s recreation. Lacking detailed engineering drawings, the team had to deduce the operational mechanics from scratch. They meticulously sketched and engineered the machine to replicate the skill and speed of a spin bowler, with the spin aspect being the most intricate to design. Glenday pointed out the challenge of understanding the forces acting on the ball and the energy transitions involved, which required detailed diagrams.

Tests confirmed that the recreated machine launches balls at approximately 33 mph. Glenday noted that, while modern equivalents could use carbon fibre and 3D printing to achieve higher speeds, their goal was historical authenticity. Thus, they constructed the machine from hardwood, reflecting the original design.

Alice Bebb, a Cambridge student and the opening batswoman for the university’s women’s cricket team, had the unique opportunity to face the machine. She described it as an unparalleled experience, akin to facing a very tall bowler delivering from an unusually close distance, making it challenging to predict the ball’s trajectory.

Dr. Venn, who passed away in 1923 at the age of 88, was also the president of Cambridge’s Gonville and Caius College. His bowling machine is a testament to his inventive spirit, blending wood, string, and mathematics to create a device that once outsmarted top cricketers and now captivates a new generation.