| Description | Gordon describes the method of locomotion, explaining how locomotive power is 'derived solely from the action and agency of heat'. He then shares observations on steam engines, steam ships and rockets.
He goes on to describe experiments involving a small model boat with a brass rocket case in its keel, into which he placed model rockets of different compositions in order to measure the displacement of water. In each experiment, 'a perfect impact was obtained on the instant of inflammation, and so great was this which may be called the initial velocity that the small vessel skimmed the surface with less draft of water than she had when at rest'.
Followed by one page of colour figures of the model boat.
Subject: Physics / Engineering / Mechanics / Thermochemistry
Received 19 [sic] January 1847.
Written by Gordon in Whitehall [London]. |