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The Steam Engine
The idea of using steam for driving stationary
machinery originated in the early centuries. For a long
time, no one seemed to have thought of using steam for
transportation purposes. In the earlier historical records,
there is mention of "heat engines," which were used for
organ blowing, the turning of spits?, and like purposes. But
from this early date until the 17th century, practically no
progress was made in the use of steam. Though men had
experimented with steam up to this time with more or less
success, the world is chiefly indebted for the developed
type of the steam engine to James Watt and George
Stephenson
James Watt, who secured the position as a maker of
scientific instruments in the University of Glasgow,
proposed an idea for improving the existing steam engine,
which was used for pumping mines. For a long time,
owing to a lack of money, he had difficulty in establishing
the merits of his improvements. Finally, he formed a
partnership with Matthew Boulton, a wealthy and
energetic man who lived at Birmingham, England. They
honan the manufacture of ctoam onnings at Rirmingham
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Read this excerpt adapted from The Rocket: The Story of the Stephensons, Father and Son by H. C. Knight
It was a critical moment, but [Stephenson) had no fears of the result. Robert often came to Liverpool to consult
with his father, and long and interesting discussions took place between father and son concerning the best mode
of increasing and perfecting the powers of the mechanism. One thing wanted was greater speed; and this could
only be gained by increasing the quantity and the quality of the steam. For this effect a greater heating surface was
necessary, and mechanics had long been experimenting to find the best and most economical boiler for high-
pressure engines
Young James, son of that Mr. James who, when the new Liverpool and Manchester route was talked of, was the
first to discover and acknowledge George Stephenson's genius, made the model of an improved boiler, which he
showed to the Stephensons. He introduces himself to our notice now with a patented model of an improved boiler
in his hand, which Stephenson thinks it may be worth his while to make trial of. "Try it," exclaimed the young
inventor-"try it, and there will be no limit to your speed. Think of thirty miles an hourl"
The improved boiler was what is called a multi-tubular boiler. An iron boiler is cast, six feet long, and three feet
and a third in diameter. It is to be filled half full of water. Through this lower half there run 25 copper tubes, each
about three inches in diameter, open at one end to the fire, through which the heat passes to the chimney at the
other end. You see this would present a great deal of heating surface to the water, causing it to boil and steam off
with great rapidity. The invention was not a sudden growth, as no inventions are. Fire-tubes serving this use started
in several fertile minds about the same time, and several persons claimed the honor of the invention; but it was
Stephenson's practical mind which put it into good working order and made it available. For he told Robert to try it
in his new locomotive
What is explained in this excerpt that is not explained in "The Steam Engine"?
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