In the middle of the 19th century, the industrial revolution was accelerating and had become a hotbed for ideas and inventions in the mechanical world. Mason Pearson, an engineer and inventor, began his career designing wool processing looms in northern England. In 1885, Pearson had the idea to create a "pneumatic" rubber-cushioned hairbrush and it took him until 1905 to improve and hone his technique. To this day, Mason Pearson hairbrushes are not mass produced and most of the work is still done by hand. The unique rubber-cushion pad allows for effective and efficient brushing. It is kind to use and gently massages the scalp.