a particular kind of sculpture, or engraving; denominated from the matter wherein it is employed. See Engraving.

It is used for various purposes; as, for initial or fig- ured letters, head and tail-pieces of books; and even for schemes and other figures, to save the expences of engraving on copper: and for prints, and stamps for paper, calicoes, linens, &c. See Printing.

The invention of cutting in wood, as well as that in copper, is ascribed to a goldsmith of Florence; but it is to Albert Durer, and Lucas, they are both indebted for their perfection.

One Hugo de Carpi invented a manner of cutting in wood, by means whereof, the prints appeared as if painted in chiar-obscurè: In order to this, he made three kinds of stamps for the same design; which were drawn, after one another, through the press for the same print: they were so conducted, as that one served for the grand lights, a second for the demi-teints, and a third for the outlines, and the deep shadows.

The art of cutting in wood, was certainly carried to a very great pitch about 150 years ago; and might even vie, for beauty and justness, with that of engra- ving in copper: at present it is in a low condition, as having been long neglected, and the application of ar- tists wholly employed on copper, as the more easy and promising province; nor but that wooden cuts have the advantage of those in copper on many ac- counts; chiefly for figures and devises in books; as being printed at the same time, and in the same press as the letters; whereas, for the other, there is re- quired a particular impression.

The cutters in wood begin with preparing a plank or block, of the size and thickness required; and very even and smooth on the side to be cut: for this, they usually take pear-tree, or box; though the latter is the best, as being the closest, and least liable to be worm-eaten.

On this block they draw their design with a pen, or pencil, just as they would have it printed. Those who cannot draw their own design, as many there are cannot, make use of a design furnished them by ano- ther; fastening it upon the block with paste made of flower and water, with a little vinegar; the strokes or lines turned towards the wood.

When the paper is dry, they wash it gently over with a sponge dipped in water; which done, they take off the paper by little and little, still rubbing it a little first, with the tip of the finger; till at length there be nothing left on the block, but the strokes of ink that form the design, which mark out so much of the block as is to be spared, or left standing.

The rest they cut off, and take away very curiously with the points of very sharp knives, or little chis- els, or gravers, according to the bigness or delicacy of the work; for they need no other instruments.