On the Power of Machines

Based on experimental observation, this 1803 work computes the workings of important industrial machines, calculating also the strength of materials.

John Banks (Author)

9781108070270, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 21 August 2014

144 pages, 3 b/w illus.
21.6 x 14 x 0.9 cm, 0.19 kg

From the 1770s onwards, John Banks (1740–1805) taught natural philosophy and gave courses of public lectures across the north west of England. Much of his work aimed to show engineers, mechanics and artisans how they could benefit from expanding their practical and theoretical knowledge. In this 1803 publication, Banks ranges across mechanics, hydraulics and the strength of materials. He considers various designs for important industrial machines, such as watermills, pumps and steam engines, offering calculations of their power. Drawing on his own experiments, as well as those of others, he shows readers how to estimate the strength of wooden and iron beams, and how to calculate the airflow from a pair of bellows. Diverse in its topics, the book sheds light on how rational calculation came to be applied to the machinery of the industrial revolution. Banks' Treatise on Mills (2nd edition, 1815) is also reissued in this series.

Preface
1. Experiments on Dr Barker's mills
2. Experiments in the velocity of air out of bellows
3. A description of Westgarth's hydraulic machine
4. Some properties of the lever demonstrated
5. Observations on the power of Cooper's mill
6. On the power of a mill, formerly at Nuneaton
7. On the horizontal water-wheel
8. Description of the centrifugal machine
9. On the properties of the crank, etc.
10. Observations on lathes
11. Observations on wheel carriages
12. Demonstration of a parallel motion for engine beams
13. Theorems relating to the common pump
14. Rules and observations on the strength of oak and deal
15. To find the weight which will break a beam of any given dimensions
16. Of the strength and dimensions of steam engine beams
17. To make a beam of a given strength, and the breadth and depth in a given ratio
18. To find the expression for the strength of a beam to work a cylinder of any diameter
19. To find the dimensions of the strongest beam that can be cut out of a given piece of round timber
20. Experiments on the strength of cast iron
21. To form parabolic beams
22. On the strength of cast iron axles
23. The strength of poles for triangles
24. Observations on cranes
25. To find the centre of gravity
26. Description of a gauge for steam engines.

Subject Areas: History of science [PDX]