James Nasmyth, Engineer
An Autobiography

The autobiography of one of the last pioneers of the machine tool industry, James Nasmyth (1808–1890).

James Nasmyth (Author), Samuel Smiles (Edited by)

9781108014465, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 10 June 2010

500 pages, 11 b/w illus.
21.6 x 14 x 2.8 cm, 0.63 kg

This autobiography was first published in 1883, and recounts the life of the Scottish scientist and inventor James Nasmyth (1808–1890), who was arguably the last of the early pioneers of the machine tool industry, most famously remembered for his invention of the steam hammer. He also produced and manufactured several other important machine tools, including a hydraulic press which used water pressure to force tight-fitting machine parts together. All of these machines became popular in manufacturing, and all are still in use today in modified forms. Nasmyth retired from business in 1856 at the age of just 48, and pursued his various hobbies including astronomy; he was co-author of The Moon: Considered as a Planet, a World, and a Satellite (1874) with James Carpenter. This autobiography follows a chronological order, and a list of Nasmyth's inventions is given at the end of the book.

Preface
1. My ancestry
2. Alexander Nasmyth
3. An artist's family
4. My early years
5. My school-days
6. Mechanical beginnings
7. Henry Maudsley, London
8. Maudsley's private assistant
9. Holiday in the manufacturing districts
10. Begin business at Manchester
11. Bridgewater Foundry - partnership
12. Free trade in ability - the strike - death of my father
13. My marriage - the steam hammer
14. Travels in France and Italy
15. Steam hammer pile driver
16. Nuremberg - St. Petersburg - Dannemora
17. More about Bridgewater Foundry - Woolwich Arsenal
18. Astronomical pursuits
19. More about astronomy
20. Retirement from business
21. Active leisure
Chronological list of inventions and contrivances
Sun-ray origin of the pyramids, and cuneiform character
Index.

Subject Areas: Popular astronomy & space [WNX]