1905-6. | MINIATURE STEAM ENGINES. 273 
MINIATURE STEAM ENGINES. 
By T. H. ROBINSON. 
(Read 21st April, 1906). 
To those who are mechanically inclined the subject of model engines 
offers something of interest, yet I feel it would be presumptuous on my 
part to come before this learned society and undertake to tell them any- 
thing new about the steam engine, as doubtless many of you know much 
mofe about this subject than I do. 
About a month ago your president, Dr. Kennedy, saw the little 
engines at my shop and invited me to exhibit them before the Canadian 
Institute. 
An artist had just finished what he considered the finest picture 
he had ever painted. He invited a noted critic to come and view it. 
Brass Engine. Height, 1 inch; bore, } inch; stroke, } inch; weight, 44 dwts. 
The expert gazed at it long and earnestly. Finally the artist said, ‘‘What 
do you think I ought to get for it?” 
‘Oh, about six months,”’ was the reply. 
As you are the critic to-night I feel a little uneasy lest you decide 
I am entitled to a longer term. 
Whenever we speak of an engine, we associate the word with power, 
and the many uses to which steam has been put by means of the engine 
leads to the belief that the steam engine is the most useful of man’s many 
inventions. 
By a horse power, we mean that power which is sufficient to raise 
33,000 pounds one foot in one minute at the earth’s surface against the 
force of gravity. 
