Chapter I: Preface

A word of explanation seems due to both the reader and myself.

The idea of writing these reminiscences did not originate with me. I was invited to write them by Mr. F. R. Low, the editor of _Power_. This invitation I declined, saying that I felt averse to writing a story in which I must be the central figure. Mr. Low replied that I should regard it as a duty I owed to the profession. Engineers demanded to know the origin and early development of the high speed system of steam engineering. I was the only person who could meet this demand; no one else possessed the necessary information.

I felt obliged to yield to this view, and can only ask the reader to imagine that I am writing about somebody else.

C. T. P.

MONTCLAIR, N. J.,
December, 1907.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

CHAPTER I

PAGE

Birth, Parentage and Education. Experience in the Practice of
Law. Introduction to Centrifugal Force. Invention and
Operation of a Stone-dressing Machine 1

CHAPTER II

The Evolution and Manufacture of the Central Counterpoise
Governor. Introduction of Mr. Richards 17

CHAPTER III

Invention and Application of my Marine Governor 34

CHAPTER IV

Engineering Conditions in 1860. I meet Mr. Allen. Mr. Allen’s
Inventions. Analysis of the Allen Link 42

CHAPTER V

Invention of the Richards Indicator. My Purchase of the Patent.
Plan my London Exhibition. Engine Design. Ship Engine Bed to
London, and sail myself 58

CHAPTER VI

Arrival in London. Conditions I found there. Preparations and
Start 65

CHAPTER VII

My London Exhibit, its Success, but what was the matter?
Remarkable Sale of the Engine 71

CHAPTER VIII

Sale of Governors. Visit from Mr. Allen. Operation of the Engine
Sold to Easton, Amos & Sons. Manufacture of the Indicator.
Application on Locomotives 80

CHAPTER IX

Designs of Horizontal Engine Beds. Engine Details. Presentation
of the Indicator at the Newcastle Meeting of the British
Association for the Advancement of Science 93

CHAPTER X

Contract with Ormerod, Grierson & Co. Engine for Evan Leigh, Son
& Co. Engine for the Oporto Exhibition. Getting Home from
Portugal 101

CHAPTER XI

Trouble with the Evan Leigh Engine. Gear Patterns from the
Whitworth Works. First Order for a Governor. Introduction of the
Governor into Cotton Mills. Invention of my Condenser. Failure of
Ormerod, Grierson & Co. 113

CHAPTER XII

Introduction to the Whitworth Works. Sketch of Mr. Whitworth.
Experience in the Whitworth Works. Our Agreement Which was never
Executed. First Engine in England Transmitting Power by a Belt 122

CHAPTER XIII

The French Exposition of 1867. Final Break with Mr. Whitworth 139

CHAPTER XIV

Study of the Action of Reciprocating Parts. Important Help from
Mr. Frederick J. Slade. Paper before Institution of Mechanical
Engineers. Appreciation of Zerah Colburn. The Steam Fire Engine
in England 153

CHAPTER XV

Preparations for Returning to America. Bright Prospects 165

CHAPTER XVI

Return to America. Disappointment. My Shop. The Colt Armory
Engine Designed by Mr. Richards. Appearance of Mr. Goodfellow. My
Surface Plate Work. Formation of a Company 173

CHAPTER XVII

Mr. Allen’s Invention of his Boiler. Exhibition at the Fair of
the American Institute in 1870 190

CHAPTER XVIII

Demonstration to the Judges of Action of Reciprocating Parts.
Explanation of this Action. Mr. Williams’ Instrument for
Exhibiting this Action 198

CHAPTER XIX

Boiler Tests in Exhibition of 1871. We Lose Mr. Allen. Importance
of Having a Business Man as President. Devotion of Mr. Hope 208

CHAPTER XX

Close of the Engine Manufacture in Harlem. My Occupation During a
Three Years’ Suspension 219

CHAPTER XXI

Production of an Original Surface Plate 233

CHAPTER XXII

Efforts to Resume the Manufacture. I Exhibit the Engine to Mr.
Holley. Contract with Mr. Phillips. Sale of Engine to Mr. Peters 238

CHAPTER XXIII

Experience as Member of the Board of Judges at the Philadelphia
Centennial Exhibition 245

CHAPTER XXIV

Engine Building in Newark. Introduction of Harris Tabor 259

CHAPTER XXV

Engine for the Cambria Iron and Steel Company 271

CHAPTER XXVI

My Downward Progress 275

CHAPTER XXVII

My Last Connection with the Company 325