A Treatise on the Steam-engine: From the 7th Ed. of the Encyclopaedia Britannica

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A. and C. Black, 1841 - 331 pages
 

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Page 17 - ... which is but at such a distance. But this way hath no bounder, if the vessels be strong enough ; for I have taken a piece of a whole cannon, whereof the end was burst, and filled it...
Page 17 - ... hours it burst and made a great crack ; so that, having a way to make my vessels so that they are strengthened by the force within them...
Page 97 - I call the steam vessel, must during the whole time the engine is at work be kept as hot as the steam that enters it, first, by enclosing it in a case of wood, or any other materials that transmit heat slowly; secondly, by surrounding it with steam or other heated bodies; and thirdly, by suffering neither water or any other substance colder than the steam to enter or touch it during that time.
Page 88 - By blowing the fire it was made to take a few strokes ; but required an enormous quantity of injection water, though it was very lightly loaded by the column of water in the pump. It soon occurred...
Page 97 - ... first, that vessel in which the powers of steam are to be employed to work the engine, which is called the cylinder...
Page 16 - A Century of the Names and Scantlings of such Inventions as at present I can call to mind to have tried and perfected...
Page 18 - ... from town to town, and for the bettering of lands all the way it runs ; with many more advantageous, and yet greater effects of profit, admiration, and consequence. So that deservedly I deem this invention to crown my labours, to reward my expenses, and make my thoughts acquiesce in way of further inventions...
Page 34 - ... as far as the steam continues within the vessel, so far is the vessel dry without, and so very hot, as scarce to endure the least touch of the hand. But as far as the water is, the said vessel will be cold and wet where any water has fallen on it ; which cold and moisture vanishes as fast as the steam in its descent takes place of the water...
Page 89 - ... that would receive and give out heat slowly : of these, wood seemed to be the most likely, provided it should prove sufficiently durable. " A small engine was therefore constructed with a cylinder six inches diameter, and twelve inches stroke, made of wood, soaked in linseed oil, and baked to dryness. With this engine many experiments were made; but it was soon found that the wooden cylinder was not likely to prove durable, and that the steam condensed in filling it still exceeded the proportion...
Page 92 - The means of accomplishing these points did not immediately present themselves ; but early in 1765 it occurred to me, that if a communication were opened between a cylinder containing steam, and another vessel which was exhausted of air and other fluids, the steam, as an elastic fluid, would immediately rush into the empty vessel, and continue to do so until it had established an equilibrium ; and if that vessel were kept very cool by an injection or otherwise, more steam would continue to enter...

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