The Steam Engine
Comprising an Account of its Invention and Progressive Improvement

Published in 1827, one of the earliest historical surveys and explanations of the steam engine, by an influential technical author.

Thomas Tredgold (Author)

9781108070287, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 17 July 2014

416 pages, 20 b/w illus.
29.7 x 21 x 2.2 cm, 0.99 kg

Thomas Tredgold (1788–1829) has been described as 'the most influential technical author of his generation and possibly of the nineteenth century'. His writings contributed greatly to the wider understanding of engineering, and it is his definition of civil engineering that the Institution of Civil Engineers wrote into their charter of 1828. Published in 1827, this work provides a historical survey and explanation of 'a masterpiece of human contrivance'. Tredgold breaks his subject down into ten sections, each covering areas such as the properties of steam, the differing means of harnessing its power, the history of the steam engine's invention and improvement, and the various applications of steam power. Containing many tables, formulae and line drawings, this thorough work complements Charles Frederick Partington's Historical and Descriptive Account of the Steam Engine (1822), which is also reissued in this series.

Preface
Introduction
1. An account of the invention and progressive improvement of the steam engine
2. Of the nature and properties of steam
3. Of the generation and condensation of steam and the apparatus for those purposes
4. On the mechanical power of steam
5. Of the construction of non-condensing engines
6. Of the construction of condensing engines
7. Of the proportions, and the construction of the parts of steam engines
8. Of equalizing the action, regulating the power, measuring the useful effect, and managing the steam engine
9. On the application of steam engines
10. Of steam navigation
Tables
Explanation of the plates
Index.

Subject Areas: History of science [PDX]