In this title, I have repeated that given in the prospectus: nor do I think I have assumed too much in so doing. It will be seen in the course of this description, on what I found my opinion; which indeed, was substantiated by the fact as soon as formed: the execution having speedily followed the invention. The Machine, in it’s different parts, is represented in [figs. 1, 2, 3, and 4] of [Plate 40]. [Fig. 1] is a plan of the floor, on which the upper water flows, to it’s whole depth, when the flood gates are opened: this floor being close over the wheel, as seen in [fig. 4], at c d. Further, a b, in both figures, is a circular slit of the whole diameter, through which the water rushes at once on all the floats of the wheel; whose axis goes up into the building through a kind of barrel, that prevents the water from escaping in any other part than the aforesaid circular aperture. The wheel itself is represented at e f, [fig. 2]; and [fig. 4] is an elevation of it, with it’s shaft, and a few of the floats, to shew the manner of their receiving the stroke of the water. A section of the ring-formed slit is also given at a b, with two floats receiving the flowing water: and in that elevation is also shewn two of the swan-necks by which the central part of the floor is supported on the framing, without stopping the watercourse.
Finally, the slit or aperture a b, [figs. 1 and 4], is fitted with a set of cast iron curves, of which six are shewn in the Plate, between c and d, and whose use is to turn aside the falling water to any desired inclination; these instruments being moved at will by a proper chain of bars, reaching from one to the other, and connected with eight or more levers at proper intervals on the floor of the water chamber.
Thus then, it appears that this Machine has two or three very important properties: 1st. all the water escapes in the same direction, (relatively to the motion of these wheels) and that direction concurs with that in which the wheel is made to turn. 2d. Every one of those fluid prisms into which the stream is divided, is urged with the same velocity, because impelled by the same head of water. 3d. The velocity of these jets is the greatest possible, because the water is carried as low as possible before it is emitted; and falls as little as possible after it has struck the wheel. 4th. In fine, the inclination of the floats may be made most perfect; and their form, being that of a boat slightly curved, is among the best forms possible for receiving the utmost impulse from flowing water.
Although by these means much is done in favour of the impulsive system, it is allowed, that, in general, a wheel acting by impulse, is less effective than a bucket-wheel acting by the weight of the water. But the higher the fall is made, the more similar these effects become. Hence, a very high fall may be made to produce, by impulse, an effect equal to that of the bucket-wheel. To meet, therefore, such a contingency as this, I have given, in [fig. 3], a cover to the water chamber of [fig. 4], intended to close it upward, and thus adapt it to a fall of any height; the water entering into this chamber from a large pipe A, of the required length: and being compressed accordingly, the result is forcible in proportion.
A few facts on the above subject will not be uninteresting. When this wheel, fifteen or sixteen years ago, (for I have forgotten it’s exact date) was about to be put in motion at La Ferté in France, several knowing ones took upon them to say “that it would not turn at all.” But who so astonished as they, when, at twelve feet diameter, and with less than five feet fall, they saw it make fifty-four turns in the first minute! I acknowledge, with pleasure, that these men soon expressed their approbation with unsophisticated candour; for although an honest prejudice had beset them, it was un-poisoned by that envy, I have more than once had to deal with in a country we are accustomed to call better! I therefore take leave, on this occasion, to say to my beloved countrymen, “Go and do likewise.”
OF
A NEW SPINNING MACHINE,
Called, and being the Patent Eagle.
The Machine commonly used for continued Spinning, in low numbers, is named a Throstle: and as my Invention acts in a similar manner, I have presumed to call it an Eagle. My motive is no mystery. The Machine spins more and better than a throstle: and reaches, especially, to a fineness unknown in throstle spinning. It could not, therefore, justly receive a meaner name, nor even an equal one.