whether the English inventor had taken any hints either directly or indirectly, from the American. We do not know that he had ever heard of it, but it is very certain that the latter could have had no possible assistance from the former, because he had demonstrated its practicability by actual experiment, many years before it was inentioned on the other side of the Atlantic. This discussion, however, is of little consequence. Newton's argument, with regard to Leibnitz's alleged discovery of fluxions and the differential calculus applies with equal force to this case. Whether Mr. Leibnitz invented it after me or had it from me, is a matter of no consequence, as second inventors have no rights. Mr. S. has subsequently made several improvements upon his first invention, which have been in part adopted in his railway at East Boston. The most important of these is the friction rail, a a. Although it is impossi SUSPENSION RAILWAYS.-Many years ago, BB is the bearing rail, made of strong tim.ble for the car to be overturned, yet as it is supafter the subject of railway transportation had ber, of dimensions proportioned to the weight ported only on a single line of motion, but on the begun to excite general attention both in Eng- intended to be supported. This rail is to be whole breadth of the wheel, it would be apt, exland and America, the suspension or single firmly fixed upon the supporters with mortice cept in cases where the load is composed of railway was invented originally by Henry Sar- and tenant. When the wheels C C are in-inert matter, and very nicely balanced, to have gent, Esq. of Boston, Mass. This invention tended to be guided with flanges, it is advisable an oscillating vibratory motion on the rail. To (for, as the English writers say, it can with no to have the top of the rail shod with iron, dd,prevent this the small rail a a, made of wood, more propriety be called an improvement than in order to prevent the flanges from fraying.s fastened on each side of the supported A A, the plough can be called an improvement of the or, as it is called, brooming the sides of the and to prevent friction from the sides of the spade,) did not for many years attract the at- rail, and thereby wearing it out and making it car, a wheel b, on a vertical axis, is placed untention which its importance appears to de- uneven. CC are the wheels, placed one be-der the floor of the car, to run horizontally upserve, and it remained for a long time without fore the other, in a direct line on the rail, and on the rail. The pressure upon this rail is benefit to the public or advantage to the invent-provided with flanges on either side, to keep very trifling, amounting to much less than the or and patentee. Circumstances, which we them in position. From the axles of these difference of weight between the two sides of shall by and by refer to, took place about twen- wheels are suspended the horizontal bars or the loaded car, because the overloaded side ty years ago, which tended to make this railway frame work, K K, to which the cars for passen. having a tendency to descend in a perpendicubetter known; but at the same time Mr. Sar- gers or merchandise are connected by the lar line, the oblique pressure upon the friction gent found that he was in some danger of being transverse bars D D, and strong, inflexible rail is smaller than the whole tendency of the deprived of his fame as inventor, and his frame ff, so that the cars are balanced on each loaded side to descend. The rail may thereright as patentee; and he consequently took side of the rail, like the bags of a pack saddle.fore be of a small size, and can be furnished at some prompt measures to vindicate both. Fis the loading placed on the cars in readiness a very trifling additional expense; and by means Among other railways of Mr. Sargent's in- for transportation. It might be objected by of it, the car, even with a shifting and varying vention in the United States, there are now two persons not acquainted with mechanics, that load, will be kept as steady as if upon a in the county of Suffolk, Massachusetts: one at this method of transportation is unsafe, because double track. Chelsea, of a circular form, and a few hundred there being but one line of wheels, the cars Another great improvement has been sugfeet in extent, is used only for purposes of would be overturned, unless the load is verygested with regard to the wheels. If the wheels amusement, and is in fact a deviation from his equally balanced on each side of the rail. It is are kept on the main rail by flanges, as in the original invention, and no more than an exten- of course better that the load should be so bal-plate, it is absolutely necessary that the rail sive model. The other, at East Boston, is a anced, but it could very easily be shown in should be shod with iron, which causes a very suspension railway, as lately improved, and practice it is impossible that the cars can be great additional expense. If this is not done, has been commenced within a few months; overturned when the materials hold together. the continual friction of the flange on the edge and is not yet entirely completed. This rail- When one side is heavier than the other, a of the rail, will cause it to fray or broom as beway is constructed over a marshy piece of slight inclination of the heavier side takes place, fore stated. To obviate this difficulty, the ground, full of creeks and ponds, and much and that is all; for as soon as the heavier side wheels may be made wider than the rail, withmore unfavorable than the average surface of begins to incline, it approaches the centre of out flanges, to run freely upon the smooth surthe country. gravity, and is thus continually losing its ten-face of the rail, and to keep their direction, By the help of the plate, which, with the ex-dency to incline, and cannot incline further guided by rollers, of which the place only can ception of the friction rail, a a, represent the than the supporters, as the car is longer, &c.;be seen in the plate, may be placed horizontalrailway and car, as first invented, we shall while, on the other hand, the lighter side is re-ly at c c, to run on the side of the rail, thus anendeavor to convey some idea of the princi-ceding from the centre of gravity, and is con-swering every purpose of the flange, but with ples of the suspension railroad, and then to point sequently gaining power to balance the other a much smaller degree of friction, and with a out the improvements which have been subse-by the leverage which takes place. We have saving of the whole expense of the iron guard quently made. frequently seen that a person carrying a single for the rail. A A are the wooden posts driven or other-pail of water will extend his disengaged arm at A due regard being had to the principles above wise secured into the earth, upon which the rail right angles with his body, and by this simple stated, the cars intended to be put upon the railis to be supported. The ground in the annex-instinctive motion, one arm alone is made to bal-way may be varied according to the nature of ed plan presents a level surface, not requiring ance the other with a weight of twenty pounds the articles to be transported, and the fancy or any difference in the length of the support-at the end of it. A very great additional secu-taste of the proprietor. The railway at East ers. But where the surface is uneven, theserity is derived from the very low position of the Boston, is as we have before said, built over a can be left of unequal length, and braced every centre of gravity, owing to the load being placed tract of marshy land of a peculiarly unfavorable three feet from the top of the rail, according to below the wheels, instead of above or on a lev-nature. The supporters are piles driven the undulations of the surface, so that the topsel with them, as is the case in common car-through the marsh to a stratum of blue clay be of the supporters shall be on the same level.riages. It is also impossible that the car should neath, and strengthened by oblique braces. F There have been various expedients suggested be overturned in case of the breaking of theing merely an experiment, the cars to be pla for securing these posts in the ground, in order axles, for the load being on each side of the rail, upon it are intended only for the transporta to diminish the tendency to incline from the and below the centre of gravity, the body of the of passengers to a place of entertainment, a vertical posture, by the weight and motion of car would fall but one-fourth of an inch, and farther end of it. the loads which they are destined to bear. The slide on the rail, if in motion, and there be firmly The only serious objection that has b lower extremities of the posts should be sunk supported.-Such are the general principles of made to the suspension railway is, that being in transverse trenches to a depth of four or five the suspension railway as originally invented by elevated so far from the ground, it may not be feet, more or less, and placed upon a founda- Mr. Sargent. so sufficiently permanent, and so capable of tion of hard earth or stones. The sides should be filled up with rubble stones, or otherwise A few years ago the plan of a railway pre-bearing heavy loads, at a rapid rate, as the iron braced. The post should be supported, (in cisely similar in its nature was submitted to the rails which are elevated only a few inches. We marshy soils,) by at least one strong timber, British public by H. R. Palmer, Esq., and it do not wish to discuss this question, though placed obliquely in the ground and bolted into has been generally noticed in English scientific many persons whose opinions in these matters it, by which it will be stiffened by the oblique works as Palmer's Patent Suspension Railway,are of great weight, believe that it may be made timber, and secured from inclining in the opgent's prior claim. It is impossible to say no acknowledgement being made of Mr. Sar-sufficiently permanent for all practical purposes. posite direction [For the cuelusion of this article see page 832 ] [From the Mechanics' Magazine.] and turning it; that will form a complete cir- Fig. 2. 6 to stand erect, he has made a pair of boats, and THE NEW ERA OF STEAM POWER.-In our so being relieved from all danger of capsizing, first volume, at page 118, we inserted a short he has been able to elongate them to his heart's article on the probable application of steam content." The rudder, which is placed immepower to various purposes during the year,diately behind the flag with the word TROY which is now nearly brought to a close. We on it, is only a plate of iron about 6 feet long, there state that "every day brings to light some and about 5 inches wide, and is governed by new form in which its irresistible energies the motion of a steering wheel, placed paralmay be employed. Ten years ago the idea of lel with the boiler, on the same trunk to which substituting a steam engine for a horse, as it is connected by ropes, as will be seen in the propelling power on a turnpike road, would engraving: it is similar to a common steering have been thought chimerical. * * Well wheel, and as the chief weight of the parabolic shall not be surprized to find it, before the spindles or trunks is in the centre, it causes it year is out, employed to extinguish fires, to to revolve as on a pivot. This may be illusblast rocks, or in excavating the earth for ca-trated by placing a common rolling pin used nals. No man can set bounds to its utility, or in making pastry, of the same form, on a table, the modes of its application." Since then we have received various reports of the success of steam carriages on common roads, and as a screwed on the inside; so that the tighter the proof of their being in practical operation, we Fig. 2 is a cross section of the internal part nut is screwed, the more compact it makes Sufficient refer our readers to page 311 of this Magazine, of one of the trunks: a a a a, the staves, 26 in those staves immediately opposite. where will be found an account, (taken from number, 3 inches thick, to each of which is room is left in the centre for a man to enter and the London Repertory of Arts for November,) attached an iron bolt, bbb, 26 inches in length, pass fore and aft, to turn the nuts, if necessary. of their performance on one of the most crowd-passing through the staves, and countersunk Fig. 3 shows the plan of connecting these ed roads in the vicinity of that metropolis; it on the outside of them: these bolts are fasten-two spindles or trunks, upon which the decks has also been used in extinguishing fires, as ed to an iron ring, c, by means of nuts, d d dare to be built. a a, the trunks or spindles; b, will be seen by reference to page 329. InFig. 3. ventions and suggestions of importance, as connected with steam power, have within the last few weeks so multiplied upon us that we have resolved to give, in as condensed a form as possible, all the information we have received in this article, and as one of the most important, we shall commence with an account of Mr. Burden's new steamboat, an invention which we hesitate not to say is of the first importance. (See above engraving.). d d [The account here referred to was published in the the water wheel; cc c, the boilers; e e, the||MA, OF TROY, in respect, on the part of the Railroad Journal of December 14th, page 789:] beams which connect it with the outside guard inventor, to his amiable and intelligent partOur readers will have observed that the con-d; ff, the braces. ner for life. struction of this boat is on a principle that car We think it right to state another fact in scarcely be misunderstood by any one. Every connection with the advantages which we have direction of the Rev. Dr. Nott, who accompaperson knows that a mass moves more easily enumerated; and that is in her complete ex-nied us on our trip, a man distinguished by his through the water endwise than sidewise; and emption from jarring or vibration while under piety and scientific attainments; and we have the as the editor of the Journal of Commerce very way. The passengers in this boat could easily authority of the editor of the N. Y. Gazette, for justly observes, "Mr. Burden has carried the magine themselves upon terra firma, were it stating that "Dr. Nott stated that he would principle to its ne plus; instead of building a not for her great velocity. have no hesitation in placing his cot over the boat so narrow that she could hardly be made It is, we understand, to be named the EM-boiler, at all times, and going to sleep with 1 perfect composure, without any dread of dan-calculated to go by land and water, propelled ||quired, would be a great advantage, both in velocity ger; and that it was among his happiest re-by steam, for the design of which we are in-and comfort in a seaway. With regard to the comparative economy of Mr. flections, that he had lived long enough to have debted to the "Young Mechanic." Its con- Rutter's method of generating heat, it obviously decontributed so much towards the preservation struction is so simple that we consider a de-pends upon the cost at which the bituminous, oleaof human life, while so many thousands were scription unnecessary. In those districts where ginous, resinous, waxy, and fatty substances, in a fluid state," can be procured. enjoying the benefit of steam navigation." ferries are frequently to be crossed, we think it We shall now introduce a plan of a machine might be advantageously used. Hitherto the chief obstacle of going long||riod is "now fast approaching, when communication voyages by sea in steamboats, has been the by steam may be established with every part of the globe." difficulty of carrying sufficient fuel. That obThe economy of this plan, in weight and cost, will stacle is in a great measure obviated by a dis-appear the greater, if we compare it with the expencovery of Mr. Rutter, an engineer in England, given by your correspondent, in No. 529, the account diture on the present system. According to the data for generating heat by water, to which we have will stand as follows: before alluded at pages 117 and 182, and which we think still we shall be able to prove was first discovered by an American citizen. At present, we shall copy Mr. Rutter's account from the London Mechanics' Magazine. It occurred to me, that about fourteen years since, eye, I had been induced to make the following expein consequence of a paragraph which had then met my riment: About equal portions of common' tar and To produce an effect equal to 120 lbs. of Newcastle water were put into a half-pint glass retort, after and 25 lbs. coke, in all 60 lbs. coal, will require 15 lbs. coal tar, say 20 lbs. water, which the orifice of the beak was reduced, by drawBut as water may being out at the table blowpipe, to about one-eighth of supplied from alongside as wanted, deduct 20, leav-an inch diameter. The retort being fixed over an ing 40 lbs. of fuel, which, on Mr. Rutter's principle argand lamp, the apparatus was taken into my garden would produce an effect equal to 120 lbs. Newcastle on a dark night, and the contents of the retort brought coal, or three times the weight of the fuel at present to a state of brisk ebullition. As soon as vapor issued [For the article here alluded to see Railroad Jour. used. If Mr. Rutter's data only approximate to the with rapidity, a light was applied, and in an instant I nal of November 2d, page 690.] beheld a jet of flame eight or nine inches in length, constituting a brilliant firework, the intense heat of which was found capable of melting several refractory mineral substances. I lay no claim to originality in this little experiment, which is precisely the same in principle as Mr. Rutter's method, and this the following extract, which gave rise to my experiment, will show: In the London Mechanics' Magazine of October 5th we find the following further particulars; As I find that the question I recently proposed to your valuable correspondent, Mr. Rutter, as to his new process, is inadvertently so worded as to be liable to misconstruction, I take the earliest opportunity to desire its correction. exact proportions, we cannot fail to be struck with the extravagant waste of fuel upon the present system. Every commander of a steam-vessel knows, or ought to know, that the ashes, and cinders too, which are thrown overboard, are not nearly equal to half the weight of coal consumed in a given time. From what has passed under my own observation, when in command of a steam-vessel, I am inclined to think that they do not exceed, in ordinary cases, 10 per "AMERICAN WATER-BURNER.-An apparatus, called cent. of the fuel consumed; and if so, there is a dif- the American Water-Burner, has been invented by The process in question is not for "making gas" 120 lbs. of coals consumed. Where this goes we can pipe, but is applicable in many cases in place of a furference of 48 lbs. to be accounted for out of every Mr. Morey, of New-Hampshire. It is a rough blow. only, but for generating heat for all the purposes to which that powerful agent is applicable, as must, in-be at no loss to imagine, when we observe the im-nace. Tar is intimately mixed with steam, and made deed, have been by this time gathered from the ar- mense volume of smoke which marks the course of a to issue from a small jet, in the manner of an eolipile, ticles on the subject in the Mechanics' Magazine. steamer at sea; even with the most careful stoking, a and the stream of matter being ignited, produces a Gas, is produced, it is true, in the first instance, from vast quantity of inflammable matter passes off uncon- flame of great size and intensity. It appears that the the combustion of the tar and the water, but it is instan- sumed. Deducting the actual loss in this way, it ap-water is partly decomposed towards the middle of the taneously converted into flame, to be used in any case pears not improbable it would be found that the dif-jet, and that the heat is thus increased by increasing where heat is required-whether the manufacture of ference of the total weight of the inflammable matters, the quantity of active agents; but, whatever the exact gas for illumination (to which it has been applied at efficiently applied to the generation of steam, would effect, the water is found to be useful in preventing Salisbury), the production of steam for numberless not be so great as it appears to be at first sight. the formation of smoke, and increasing the combuspurposes of manufactures and navigation, or a thouFrom the preceding statement it appears, that tion."-[New Monthly Magazine, April, 1819.]* sand other equally important uses. Gaseous matter there is a balance in favor of Mr. Rutter's method of has, I understand, been before obtained from water generating heat of 200 per cent., as compared with to some extent, but only by means of processes too the weight of Newcastle coal, and that by loading a expensive and too complicated to be of general uti vessel with the same weight of fuel, to be consumed lity. I remain, Sir, yours respectfully, F. H. on this plan, she would be able to keep the sea three times as long as at present. London, Oct. 1, 1833. Perhaps, Mr. Editor, you will indulge me in a few more remarks. In the autumn of 1827, a scientific friend and myself succeeded in beautifully illuminating a very large room, then used as our laboratory, with gas obtained from the decomposition of resin; and being at the same time occupied with the oxyAnother, and by no means unimportant advantage drogen blowpipe, in producing intense light by means From the same Magazine of October 19th, we also of Mr. Rutter's plan, is, that the material required of lime and other substances, it occurred to us that the being fluid, and withal of less specific gravity than light thus furnished would prove admirably adapted to make the two following extracts: water, it may be advantageously stored in tanks fitted the purposes of illuminating objects usually exhibited The notices of Mr. Rutter's new process for to the vessel, in those spaces which are now compa-by the solar microscope. In the course of a few generating heat have greatly interested me, and hav-ratively useless, and may be so disposed as to serve weeks, subsequently, the illuminating power of resin ing some practical knowledge of the great difficulty in lieu of ballast, and thus render steamers less crank gas, and the principle of applying the light of lime to of obtaining sufficient "stowage" for the fuel in steam than they now are. As each tank is emptied it may the microscope, were practically demonstrated in a navigation, without encroaching on the space required be filled with water, so as to preserve the same trim lecture before the Canterbury Philosophical Institufor other purposes, and disturbing the trim of the during the voyage, which is by no means an unim-tion. I believe it was early in the following year that vessel too much, I am disposed to think that Mr. portant consideration, as it is well known that swift I was informed a patent had been granted for lighting Rutter's discovery will do much towards changing vessels are much sooner put out of trim than others. a town on the continent with "resin gas," and every the face of the world," and to believe that the pe. The absence of the large funnel, which is now fe:Bady knows that, during the present year, the "gas microscope" has been brought out as one of the popular exhibitions of the metropolis. We have very carefully examined the steam- and would thus produce a pressure of a simNow I feel convinced, Mr. Editor, that both these und believe, that when Messrs. Maudsly and recommended by some authors, of making carriage, and observed the ease of its running, ilar nature, notwithstanding the precaution plans were originated and carried into effect indepen-ield shall have completed a carriage, it may the surfaces of the arch-stones vertical and dent of any thing made public by me; and just as well be expected to run on an average of fifteen horizontal only. This precaution is, howevam I satisfied, notwithstanding the extract previously given, that the principle of generating heat, now made niles an hour, with light weight. It should known, is as purely original with Mr. Rutter. Coine understood, that the present carriage was er, in all respects unnecessary, because the cidences of this kind have frequently happened, and not built by these talented engineers, but that effect which it is intended to obviate is prothe more men are taught to think for themselves, the he boiler only is of their manufacture; nor can ductive of no inconvenience, except that of more frequently they will happen, which, after all, is hey venture to use its full power on the en- exercising the skill of the architect. The nothing more than another proof of the value of scien-gines, as many parts of the carriage are not effect of such a pressure only requires a tific acquirements. Mr. Rutter, I feel persuaded,qual to bear the strain, whilst other parts are greater curvature near the abutments, reduc. will not mistrust my motives in offering these obser-too strong and heavy; it may therefore be said, ing the form nearly to that of an ellipsis, and vations to his notice: had I not done so, it is very that the carriage, in having performed so much allowing the arch to rise at first in a vertical probable some one else would shortly have made him under all the circumstances, has the more posiacquainted with the "American Water Burner," and perhaps might unjustly accuse him of plagiarism at tively proved the possibility of bringing this the same time. I am, Sir, very truly yours, mode of conveyance into general application. W. H. WEEKES. Sandwich, October 18, 1833. JOURNEYS FROM LONDON TO GREENWICH.-In direction. A bridge must also be so calculated as to support itself without being in danger of fallThe Brighton road was divided into five stages of rather more than ten miles, at which ing by the defect of the lateral adhesion of In conclusion, we beg to assure our subscribers that places the carriage took in coke and water; its parts, and in order that it may in this reswe have sent to the Patent Office at Washington for in running on the Greenwich road the carriage pect be of equal strength throughout its depth drawings and specifications of the "American Watertook in for each journey a small quantity of at each point, must be proportional to the Buruer," which we fully expect will appear in our coke and water, sufficient for the five miles weight of the parts beyond it. This properJanuary number. run, the two stations for this purpose being one ty particularly belongs to the curve denomi in the Waterloo road and the other at Green-nated logarithmic, the length corresponding wich. The quantity of coke consumed during to the logarithm of the depth. If the strength ing with the present boiler, averages nearly condition might be fulfilled by giving them the whole time that the carriage has been run-were afforded by the arch stones only, this half a bushel per mile.-[Repertory of Arts the requisite thickness, independently of the for November.] general form of the arch: but the whole of Of the Orders of Architecture. [Concluded the materials employed in the construction It was very generally believed, particularly of the bridge must be considered as adding amongst horse-coach proprietors, that the pubfrom page 758.] to the strength, and the magnitude of the adlic would be prejudiced against this new mode CONSTRUCTION OF ARCHES.-If the weights||hesion as depending in a great measure on of conveyance; and in entering into arrange-of the voussoirs in an arch are all equal, the general outline. ments for running steam-carriages, this objec-arch of equilibration is what is termed a Ca- We must examine in the next place what tion has been raised as a reason for reducing enarian curve, the same that a chain or cord is the most advantageous form for supportthe premium required by the patentees, it being of uniform thickness would assume, if hang-ing any weight which may occasionally be stated that steam-carriages would run for a our last number we had the pleasure of giving an account of the first business-like journey performed by a steam-carriage on common roads and we cannot but feel gratified at the demand which the accuracy of our information has produced. length of time at a loss, before the public wouldng freely, the horizontal distance of the placed on the bridge, particularly at its weaklength of time at a loss, before the public would points of suspension being equal to the span est part, which is usually the middle. Supventure regularly to travel on common roads by of the arch, and the depth of the lowest point posing the depth at the summit of the arch steam. Sir Charles Dance, at the time of run ning between Gloucester and Cheltenham, had of the chain being equal to the greatest at the abutments to be given, it may be renever discovered that such a prejudice existed, height of the arch. duced considerably, in the intermediate parts, but that the contrary was really the case, If the figure of the chain were reversed, without impairing the strength, and the outevery one appearing desirous of becoming a the joints being such that the force, which line may be composed of parabolic ares, havpassenger. This point has however been fur-was a pull in the first situation, becomes a ing their convexity turned towards each othther set at rest, by the same carriage, (which thrust in the second, the chain would super. This remark also would be only appliperformed the journey from London to Brighton public mind is by no means against the intro cable to the arch stones, if they afforded the whole strength of the bridge, but it must be extended in some measure to the whole of the materials forming it. and back), having run for eight successive days port itself, and remain in equilibrio. The catenaria is remarkable for this mefrom Wellington street, over Waterloo Bridge, chanical property. That a chain hanging to Greenwich, three times a-day, starting regularly at eleven, half-past twelve, and two in that curve has its centre of gravity lower o'clock, each day, a distance, in the whole, of than if it were disposed in any other line, its If, therefore, we combine together the about 250 miles, at an average running of ten length continuing the same, and also the curve best calculated for resisting the pres miles per hour. points from which it is suspended. There. sure of a fluid, which is nearly elliptical, the In order to call forth as little opposition, as fore, an arch constructed in this form has its logarithmic, and the parabolic curves, allowpossible, from the coachmen and their attend-centre of gravity the highest possible. ing to each its due proportion of influence, ant imps, at the same time to show that the But the supposition of an arch resisting a we may estimate, from the comparison, which duction of steam-carriages, Sir Charles Dance weight, which acts only in a vertical direc. is the fittest form for an arch intended to supdetermined not to run for the ordinary charge, tion, is by no means perfectly applicable to port a road. And in general, whether the but the coach was advertised to run for two cases which generally occur in practice. The road be horizontal, or a little inclined, we shillings and sixpence each person, to or from pressure of loose stones and earth, moisten- may infer that an ellipsis, not differing much Greenwich, or the sum of four shillings to those ed as they frequently are by rain, is exerted from a circle, is the best calculated to comwho were desirous of going and returning by very nearly in the same manner as the pres-ply as much as possible with all the condisuch a course it was evident that curiosity sure of fluids, which act equally in all directions, as represented by the above figure, would be the principal motive for going with the ions: and even if they were united into a which exhibits a view of the middle arch of carriage. We are informed that, on an average, fourteen persons accompanied the carmass, they would constitute a kind of wedge, Blackfriar's Bridge, London. riage cach trip. Such has been the interest displayed, that crowds of persons lined the road; and at either end of the journey so dense were the crowds, that, but for the command over the engine, and the accuracy of the driving some serious accident must inevitably have occurred. In some of the journeys, the steamcoach was accompanied by many of our scientific men, amongst others Mr. Telford, Mr. Macneill, and others of our best engineers, whe expressed themselves so much gratified with the success of Sir Charles Dance, that they have determined on running the carriage a journey between London and Birmingham, the more fully to demonstrate the practicability of using the power of steam on common roads: and the carriage has been taken off the Green-| wich road for this purpose. ரா Babbage on the Economy of Manufactures. use it; and, if a free exportation of machinery on the admirable arrangements of the domes(Concluded from page 809.) were allowed, this higher and more valuable tic economy of our factories. The many important facilities for the con- class would, undoubtedly, be greatly increased; 332. The different degrees of facility with struction of machines and the manufacturing for, notwithstanding the high price of wages, which capital can be transferred from one mode of commodities which we possess, are enjoyed there is no country in which machinery can at of employment to another, has an important by no other country; nor is it likely that any this moment be made, either so well or so cheap-effect on the rate of profits in different trades country can enjoy them to an equal extent for ly, as in England. We might, therefore, supply and in different countries. Supposing every an indefinite period. It is admitted by every the whole world with machinery, at an evident other cause which influences the rate of profit at one that our skill is unrivalled; the industry advantage, both to ourselves and our custom-any period, to act equally on capital employed in and power of our people unequalled; their in- ers. In Manchester, and in the surrounding different occupations, yet the real rates of profit renuity, as displayed in the continual improve- district, many thousand men are employed would soon after, on account of the different dement in machinery, and production of commodi- wholly in making machinery, which gives em-grees of loss in removing it from one mode of ties, without parallel, and apparently without ployment to many hundred thousands who use investment to another, or any variation in the limit. The freedom which, under our govern.it; but the period is not very remote, when the action of those causes. This principle will apment, every man has, to use his capital, his la- whole number of those who then made use of pear more clearly by taking an example. Let bor, and his talents, in the manner most con- machinery, was not greater than the number two capitalists have embarked £10,000 each, ducive to his interests, is an inestimable advan- of those who now manufacture machines. in two trades: A in supplying a district with tage; canals are cut, and railroads construct- Hence, then, if England should ever become a water, by means of a steam engine and iron ed, by the voluntary association of persons great exporter of machinery, she would ne-pipes; B in manufacturing bobbin-net. whose local knowledge enables them to place cessarily contain a large class of workmen, to The capital of A will be expended in building a them in the most desirable situations; and these whom skill would be indispensable, and, con-house and erecting a steam engine, which costs great advantages cannot exist under less free sequently, to whom high wages would be paid; say £3000:; and laying down iron pipes to supgovernments. These circumstances, when and, although her manufacturers might proba- ply his customers, costing, say £7000. The taken together, give such a decided superiority bly be fewer in numbers, yet they would un- greatest part of this latter expense is payment to our people, that no injurious rivalry, either doubtedly have the advantage of being the first for labor; and if the pipes were to be taken up, in the construction of machinery or the manu- to derive profit from improved machinery. Un- the damages to them would render them of facture of commodities, can reasonably be an- der such circumstances, any diminution in the little value, except as old metal, whilst the exticipated." demand for machinery would, in the first in- pense of removing them would be considerable. 325. But even if it were desirable to prevent stance, be felt by a class much better able to Let us, therefore, suppose, that if A were the exportation of a certain class of machinery, meet it, than the class which now suffers up- obliged to give up his trade, he could only reit appears abundantly evident, that, whilst the on every check in the consumption of manu-alize £4000 by the sale of his stock. Let us exportation of other kinds is allowed, it is im-factured goods; and the resulting misery would suppose that B, by the sale of his bobbin-net passible to prevent the forbidden kind from be- therefore assume a mitigated character. ing smuggled out; and that, in point of fact, the additional risk had been well calculated by the smuggler. factory, and machinery, would realize £8000. Farther, let us suppose the usual rate of interest made on the capital employed by each is the same, say 20 per cent.: then we have Water-works Capital in vested. £10,000 Money which would arise machinery. Annual rate of profit per cent. £4,000 £20 Income. 329. It has been feared, that when other countries have purchased our machines, they will cease to demand new ones. The statement which has been given of the usual progress in the improvement of the machinery employed in any manufacture, and of the average time which elapses before it is superseded by such improvements, is a complete reply to this objection. If our customers did not adopt the £2,000 new machinery contrived by us as soon as Bobbin-net Factory 10,000 8,000 20 2,000 they could procure it, then our manufacturers Now, if, from competition, or any other would extend their establishments, and under-causes, the rate of profit arising from water. sell their rivals in their own markets. works should fall to ten per cent., that circumstances would not cause a transfer of capital from water-works to bobbin-net making; because the reduced income from the waterworks, £1000 per annum, would still be greater than that produced by investing £4000, (the whole sum arising from the sale of the materials of the water-works,) in a bobbin-net factory; which sum, at 20 per cent., would only yield £800 per annum. In fact, the rate of profit, arising from the water-works, must be reduced below eight per cent., before it would benefit the proprietor's income to remove his capital 326. It would appear, also, that there are circumstances which show that the immediate exportation of improved machinery is not quite so certain as has been assumed; and that the powerful principle of self-interest will urge the makers of machinery to push its extension in a different direction. When a great maker of machinery has contrived a new machine for any particular process, or has made some great improvement on those in common use, to whom will he naturally apply for the purpose of sell- 330. It may also be urged, that in each kind ing his new machines! Undoubtedly, in by far of machinery a maximum of perfection may be the majority of cases, he will communicate the imagined, beyond which it is impossible to adcircumstance to his nearest and best customers, vance; and certainly the last advances are usuthose to whom he has immediate and personal ally the smallest, when compared with those access, and whose capability to fulfil any con- which precede them; but it should be observed, tract is best known to him. He will commu- that these advances generally occur when the nicate with them, and offer to take their orders number of machines in employment is already for the new machine; nor will he think of wri-large; and, consequently, their effects on the ting to inform foreign customers, so long as power producing are very considerable. But he finds the home demand sufficient to employ though it should be admitted that any individuthe whole force of his establishment. Thus, al species of machinery may arrive, after a then, the machine-maker is himself interested long period, at a degree of perfection which into the bobbin-net trade. in giving the first advantage of any new im-would render farther improvement nearly hope- 338. In any inquiry into the probability of the provement to his own countrymen. less, yet it is impossible to suppose that this injury arising to our manufacturers from the 327. In point of fact, the machine-makers in can be the case with all kinds of mechanism.competition of foreign countries, particular reLondon prefer home orders, and do usually In fact, the limit of improvement is rarely ap-gard should be had to the facilities of transport, charge an additional price to their foreign cus-proached, except in extensive branches of na-and to the existence in our own country of a tomers. Even the amount by which this pre- tional manufactures, and the number of such mass of capital in roads, canals, machinery, ference is measured may be found in the evi-branches is, even at present, very small. &c., the greater portion of which may fairly dence before the Committee on the Export 331. Another argument in favor of the ex-be considered as having repaid the expense of of Machinery. It is differently estimated by portation of machinery is, that it would facili- its outlay, and also to the cheap rate at which various engineers, but appears to vary from tate the transfer of capital to any more advan- the abundance of our fuel enables us to profive up to twenty-five per cent. on the amount tageous mode of employment which might pre- duce iron, the basis of almost all machinery. of the order. The reasons for this are-1. If sent itself. If the exportation of machinery It has been justly remarked by M. de Villefosse, the machinery be complicated, one of their best were permitted, there would doubtless arise a in the memoir before alluded to, that "Ce que men, well accustomed to the mode of work in considerable demand; and, supposing any par-l'on nomme en France, la question du prix des the factory, must be sent out to put it up; and ticular branch of our manufactures to cease to fers, est, a proprement parler, la question du there is always a considerable chance of his produce the average rate of profit, the loss to prix des bois, et la question des moyens de comhaving offers which will induce him to remain the capitalist would be much less if a market munications interieures par les routes, fleuves, abroad. 2. If the work be of a more simple were opened in which he could sell his ma-rivieres et canaux." kind, and can be put up without an English chinery to customers more favorably circum- On referring to page 34 of the present volworkman, yet for the credit of the house which stanced for its employment. If, on the other ume, the price of iron in various countries in supplies it, and to prevent accidents which hand, new improvements in machinery should Europe has been stated; and it appears that, may occur from the want of sufficient instruc-be imagined, the manufacturer would be more in England, it is produced at the least, and in tion in those who use it, the parts are some- readily enabled to carry them into effect, by France at the greatest expense. The length times made stronger, and examined more at- having the foreign market open to him for the of the roads which cover England and Wales tentively, than they would be for an English sale of his old raachines. The fact that Eng-may be stated roughly at twenty thousand purchaser. Any defect or accident, also, would land can, notwithstanding her taxation, and miles of turnpike, and one hundred thousand be attended with more expense to repair, if it her high rate of wages, undersell other nations, miles of road not turnpike. The internal water occurred abroad, than in England. seems to be well established; and it appears to communication of England and France, as far 328. The class of workmen who make ma-depend on the superior goodness and cheap as I have been able to collect information on chinery possess much more skill, and are paid ness of those raw materials of machinery, the the subject. may be stated as follows:-In much more highly, than that class who merely metals, on the excellency of the tools,-and France, navigable rivers, 4068 miles in length ; -- |