My Mother
PREFACE
A word of explanation seems due to both the reader and myself.
The idea of writing these reminiscences did not originate with me. I was invited to write them by Mr. F. R. Low, the editor of Power. This invitation I declined, saying that I felt averse to writing a story in which I must be the central figure. Mr. Low replied that I should regard it as a duty I owed to the profession. Engineers demanded to know the origin and early development of the high speed system of steam engineering. I was the only person who could meet this demand; no one else possessed the necessary information.
I felt obliged to yield to this view, and can only ask the reader to imagine that I am writing about somebody else.
C. T. P.
Montclair, N. J.,
December, 1907.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
| CHAPTER I | |
| PAGE | |
| Birth, Parentage and Education. Experience in the Practice of Law. Introduction to Centrifugal Force.Invention and Operation of a Stone-dressing Machine | [1] |
| CHAPTER II | |
| The Evolution and Manufacture of the Central Counterpoise Governor. Introduction of Mr. Richards | [17] |
| CHAPTER III | |
| Invention and Application of my Marine Governor | [34] |
| CHAPTER IV | |
| Engineering Conditions in 1860. I meet Mr. Allen. Mr. Allen’s Inventions. Analysis of the Allen Link | [42] |
| CHAPTER V | |
| Invention of the Richards Indicator. My Purchase of the Patent. Plan my London Exhibition. Engine Design.Ship Engine Bed to London, and sail myself | [58] |
| CHAPTER VI | |
| Arrival in London. Conditions I found there. Preparations and Start | [65] |
| CHAPTER VII | |
| My London Exhibit, its Success, but what was the matter? Remarkable Sale of the Engine | [71] |
| CHAPTER VIII | |
| Sale of Governors. Visit from Mr. Allen. Operation of the Engine Sold to Easton, Amos & Sons. Manufactureof the Indicator. Application on Locomotives | [80] |
| CHAPTER IX | |
| Designs of Horizontal Engine Beds. Engine Details. Presentation of the Indicator at the Newcastle Meeting ofthe British Association for the Advancement of Science | [93] |
| CHAPTER X | |
| Contract with Ormerod, Grierson & Co. Engine for Evan Leigh, Son & Co. Engine for the OportoExhibition. Getting Home from Portugal | [101] |
| CHAPTER XI | |
| Trouble with the Evan Leigh Engine. Gear Patterns from the Whitworth Works. First Order for a Governor.Introduction of the Governor into Cotton Mills. Invention of my Condenser. Failure of Ormerod, Grierson & Co. | [113] |
| CHAPTER XII | |
| Introduction to the Whitworth Works. Sketch of Mr. Whitworth. Experience in the Whitworth Works. OurAgreement Which was never Executed. First Engine in England Transmitting Power by a Belt | [122] |
| CHAPTER XIII | |
| The French Exposition of 1867. Final Break with Mr. Whitworth | [139] |
| CHAPTER XIV | |
| Study of the Action of Reciprocating Parts. Important Help from Mr. Frederick J. Slade. Paper beforeInstitution of Mechanical Engineers. Appreciation of Zerah Colburn. The Steam Fire Engine in England | [153] |
| CHAPTER XV | |
| Preparations for Returning to America. Bright Prospects | [165] |
| CHAPTER XVI | |
| Return to America. Disappointment. My Shop. The Colt Armory Engine Designed by Mr. Richards. Appearance ofMr. Goodfellow. My Surface Plate Work. Formation of a Company | [173] |
| CHAPTER XVII | |
| Mr. Allen’s Invention of his Boiler. Exhibition at the Fair of the American Institute in 1870 | [190] |
| CHAPTER XVIII | |
| Demonstration to the Judges of Action of Reciprocating Parts. Explanation of this Action. Mr. Williams’Instrument for Exhibiting this Action | [198] |
| CHAPTER XIX | |
| Boiler Tests in Exhibition of 1871. We Lose Mr. Allen. Importance of Having a Business Man as President.Devotion of Mr. Hope | [208] |
| CHAPTER XX | |
| Close of the Engine Manufacture in Harlem. My Occupation During a Three Years’ Suspension | [219] |
| CHAPTER XXI | |
| Production of an Original Surface Plate | [233] |
| CHAPTER XXII | |
| Efforts to Resume the Manufacture. I Exhibit the Engine to Mr. Holley. Contract with Mr. Phillips. Sale ofEngine to Mr. Peters | [238] |
| CHAPTER XXIII | |
| Experience as Member of the Board of Judges at the Philadelphia Centennial Exhibition | [245] |
| CHAPTER XXIV | |
| Engine Building in Newark. Introduction of Harris Tabor | [259] |
| CHAPTER XXV | |
| Engine for the Cambria Iron and Steel Company | [271] |
| CHAPTER XXVI | |
| My Downward Progress | [275] |
| CHAPTER XXVII | |
| My Last Connection with the Company | [325] |
| CHAPTER XXVIII | |
| The Fall and Rise of the Southwark Foundry and Machine Company. Popular Appreciation of the High-speedEngine | [331] |