Rumsey, James. A Short Treatise on the application of Steam, whereby is clearly shewn, from Actual Experiments, that Steam may be applied to propel Boats or Vessels of any burthen against rapid currents with great velocity. (Doc. No. 189). Washington DC: Government Printing Office, 1842. [11670]
Removed, 8 3/4 x 5 5/8 inches, 2 + 26 clean pp. Good. Pamphlet.
Title continues: Great Velocity. The same principles are also introduced with Effect, by a Machine of a simple and cheap Construction, for the purpose of raising Water sufficient for the working of Grist or Saw Mills, and for Watering Meadows and other Agricultural Purposes.
27th Congress, Second Session, House of Representatives, Doc. No. 189.
A facsimile printing of Rumsey's 1788 Treatise, which was printed in Philadelphia. This facsimile was made for members of Congress in 1842, and entered into the Congressional Record. We have extracted it from a bound volume of records, and offer it here for your collection.
James Rumsey (1743-1792), b. Maryland; d. London. Rumsey begins by defending his invention as the first, in opposition to claims made by John Fitch. He references certificates from observers of his experiments, including those of George Washington and Horatio Gates. He then discusses the technology of the steam boat, describing how it works.
Original 1788 copies sell for upwards of $4,000. This is an early - yet affordable - reprint for your library.
