That’s why it can be used in a positive sense of building, not just a negative removal

The statute provides, in effect, that every person who, as principal contractor, architect, etc., performs any work or furnishes any materials in or about the erection, construction, protection, or removal of any dwelling-house or other building, or any machinery erected or constructed so as to be or become a part of a freehold upon which it is to be situated, shall have a lien for such labor and materials. R. S. sec. 3314, as amended. See 2 S. & B. Ann. Stats. 1841. Lubricating [***3] oil sold to be used, and actually used, in operating mill machinery, may protect such machinery against the effects of friction, and thus preserve it from injury. But is it the intent of the statute to give a lien for everything used on machinery which may protect it and preserve it or keep it from wearing out? The statute seems to go on the principle that materials used and labor performed on machinery, which enhance its value and become a part of such machinery, should be entitled to a lien. This appears to be the object of the statute. It is clear that it is not everything used in operating machinery and which tends to preserve it, that is embraced within the meaning of the statute. Many things may serve to preserve machinery and make it operate more efficiently and easily, which do not protect it in the sense of the statute. Illustrations of this view were given on the argument, and others might be suggested. It will be noticed that the [*638] word "protection" is used in connection with "erection, construction, and repairs," as well as "removal." And while the word "protect" often means to cover, shield, or defend from injury, harm, or danger of any kind, the word imports [***4] in the statute something used or furnished for the machinery which not only preserves it from injury but becomes a part of the machinery itself.