ΤΟ WILLIAM NORRIS, ESQ. AS A TESTIMONY OF ESTEEM AND ADMIRATION OF HIS GREAT INTELLECTUAL ATTAINMENTS, AND OF HIS SCIENTIFIC AND CLASSICAL KNOWLEDGE; This Volume, DESCRIBING THE GREATEST WORK OF MAN, The Locomotive Steam Engine, IS AFFECTIONATELY INSCRIBED BY HIS BROTHER, THE AUTHOR. PREFACE. In presenting this work to the Engineers of the United States, I beg they will study it with attention, as it is the result of many days' close application and research. I have taken care to present all formulas and rules in the most simple manner, so that there will be no danger of the young student being discouraged by unnecessary display of algebraical formulas, which the sight of frightens the timid. All may understand who are familiar with the simple rules of Arithmetic,-Addition, Subtraction, Multiplication, and Division. I give here the result of my experience after a study of twenty years, and for the last twelve years engaged with my senior brother, William Norris, to whom I am entirely indebted for all the infor mation I have received relating to locomotives. He built the first locomotive in this country, and was the first engineer that ever attempted to surmount the Inclined Plane across the Schuylkill, where there is a rise of 1 in 14, for 1 mile equal to 377 feet ascent. This wonderful performance was made amid the shouts of thousands: no one has ever attempted such a feat since. In connection with my brothers, I have constructed and built some five hundred and thirty locomotives; one hundred and seventy of which are now successfully running on roads in England and the Continent, seventeen of which are running on the Birmingham and Gloucester Railway, England. Some builders, or perhaps foremen of the locomotive-shops of this country, may think it unwise in my giving to all mechanics the secrets (which they consider) of the business. My belief is, that all I can teach a man or apprentice, so much the better will be the success of my business; and the million should be learned in all things, as well as the few illiberal-minded. I give here every thing |