WITH AUTHENTIC TABLES OF THE EXTENT OF THE STEAM MARINE OF ALL PARTS OF THe globe, IMPERFECTIONS OF THE PRESENT SYSTEM OF STEAM NAVIGATION, AND SYMINGTON'S INVENTIONS. WITH DRAWINGS OF THE ORIGINAL STEAM BOATS, AND LATEST IMPROVEMENTS. A. H. BAILY & CO., 83, CORNHILL. Musseine Book Store 11-131 Transf APOLOGETICAL PREFACE. THE reader will observe, with surprise perhaps, that the first pages of this pamphlet are taken up with a detailed account of the imperfections of the present system of Steam Navigation, and with the description of an invention to obviate them. The design with which it was written precluded the first part appearing in its proper position at the end, after the account of the rise and progress of this great power had naturally led the reader to take more interest in an inquiry into its chief drawbacks, and the means of their prevention. No apology is necessary for dwelling upon them at length, since these evils were considered of sufficient magnitude to deserve the attention of eminent engineers in England, France, and America; of their respective governments, of their first chemists, and philosophical inquirers. The causes that produce them have been well investigated, and are well ascertained; but they have not led to the discovery of a remedy by any of that body. Excepting, indeed, the safety-lamp of Sir Humphrey Davy, the useful arts are but little indebted, for practical results, to the class called philosophers. The Cartwrights, Comptons, Arkwrights, Watts, Symingtons, and Whitneys, who, within the short space of thirty years, a |