Fifty years ago I had not the honor of being a member, nor
should I, it is true, have been eligible for membership of the
association; but I was at that time vigorously making models of
steam-engines, to the great annoyance of the household in which I
lived, and was looking forward to the day when I should be old enough
to be apprenticed to an engineer. Without further preface, I will
briefly allude to some of the principal developments of a few of the
branches of engineering. I am well aware that many branches will be
left unnoticed; but I trust that the omissions I may make will be
remedied by those present who may speak upon the subject after me.
I will begin by alluding to
THE STEAM-ENGINE EMPLOYED FOR MANUFACTURING PURPOSES.
In 1831, the steam-engine for these purposes was commonly the
condensing beam engine, and was supplied with steam from boilers,
known, from their shape, as wagon boilers; this shape appears to have
been chosen rather for the convenience of the sweeps, who periodically
went through the flues to remove the soot consequent on the imperfect
combustion, than for the purpose of withstanding any internal pressure
of steam. The necessary consequence was, that the manufacturing
engines of those days were compelled to work with steam of from only
31/2 lb.
Pages:
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26