166 
Now this distinction forms in reality 
the basis of the principle of Mr. Brown’s 
new engine. A given quantity of in- 
flammable gas being admitted into a 
metal cylinder of known dimensions, it 
combines with the atmospheric air in 
such proportion as to form nearly a per- 
fect inflammation, without producing 
either an explosion or a dangerous ex- 
pansion, 
Now it is obvious that a very near 
approximation to a perfect vacuum will 
be the result of the flame filling the 
whole cavity of the cylinder, and there- 
by expelling (as in the experiment of the 
cupping glass) the whole of the atmos- 
pheric air, except the oxygenous por- 
tion, which is essential to the produc- 
tion of flame. But one-half of this 
oxygen becomes absolutely condensed by 
uniting to the inflammable gas, and 
forming water; whilst the azote or 
nitrogen, which forms about four-fifths 
of the atmospheric air, will be expelled 
from the cylinder by means of the flame: 
the residuum, in the cylinder after the 
combustion being a small portion of 
carbonic acid gas. 
The point of complete condensation 
between the strokes, therefore, which 
has hitherto formed the grand desidera- 
tum with all the inventors and improvers 
of steam engines, is effectually accom- 
plished by this ingenious combination of 
Mr. Brown. 
In describing this invention, the pa- 
tentee states in his specification, the 
objects he contemplates, in the follow- 
ing words :—“ My invention consisteth, 
first, of a combination which is thus 
formed :—inflammable gas is introduced 
along a pipe into an open cylinder or 
vessel, whilst a flame placed on the out- 
side of, but near to the cylinder, is con- 
stantly kept burning, and. at times 
comes in contact with and ignites the 
gas therein. The cylinder is then closed 
air-tight, and the flame is prevented 
from communicating with the gas in the 
cylinder. The gas continues to flow 
into the cylinder, for a short space of 
time, then it is stopped off; during that 
time, by its combustion it acts upon the 
air within the cylinder, and at the same 
time a part of the rarefied air escapes 
through one or more valves; and thus 
a vacuum is effected. The vessel or 
cylinder is kept cocl by water. Several 
mechanical means may be contrived to 
bring the above combination into use in 
effecting the vacuum with inflammable 
gas ; and on the same principle it may be 
done in one, two, or more cylinders or 
New Patents and Mechanical Inventions. 
(Serr. 1, 
vessels. Having a vacuum effected by 
the above combination, and some me- 
chanical contrivance, I have, by its ap- 
plication to machinery, produced powers 
in several ways. I now proceed to 
describe the’ different kinds of ma- 
chinery by which—first, I turn a water- 
wheel;—secondly, I raise water ;—and 
thirdly, I work pistons.” 
The plate represents a front view 
of the engine as used for raising water, 
with an overshot water-wheel attached, 
for the purpose of giving the primary 
motion to other machinery, The front 
part of the frame is removed, to give 
a more distinct view of the machinery. 
The cylinders and tubes on each side 
of the engine are duplicates of each 
other. 
A.” A. A!.—Is a beam with circular ends, 
moveable on the axis A, which is supported 
on plumber’s blocks. 
B. B’.—Two metallic cylinder-caps or 
covers, connected with the beam by chains 
and rods, which pass through collars or 
guides at b.b., attached to the exterior 
cylinders. ‘These caps have metallic valves 
opening upwards at m.m. 
C.C’.—Two interior cylinders, open at 
top but closed at the bottom; having a 
lateral pipe c, opening by a valve into the 
trough O. 
D. D!.—Two exterior cylinders enclosing 
the cylinders C.C., and extending to the 
mains or pipes E.E. The outer cylinders 
rise about an inch above the inner cylin- 
ders; so that when the cap B rests on the 
rim of the cylinder D; there is a free pas- 
sage for water between the edge of C and 
the cover B. : 
i. E/.—Mains or pipes extending from 
the cylinder D, to the open cylindrical water- 
chambers e.e., on the opposite side of the 
engine. These mains are furnished with 
valves V. V., opening upwards to admit 
water, and closing afterwards by the weight 
’ of the water column. 
F./F.—Hollow metallic (floats, which 
rise and fall in the chambers e. e. according 
to the surface of the water in each chamber, 
alternately. 
G. G’,— Two metallic rods connected with 
the beam, and extending to the surface of 
the floats in the chambers e.e. 
T.—A tank, or reservoir, level with the 
top of the chambers e.e. ; which tank is sup- 
posed to be filled with water. 
P.P’-—Pipes leading from the tank to 
the bottom of the water-chambers e.e., and 
continued on to join the mains on the oppo- 
site side of the engine, by the valves V.V. 
The communication between the tank 
and the pipes P.P. is effected by a sliding 
valve, v, which is alternately brought over 
the orifice of each pipe, by cranks attached 
to a connecting rod or chain, which ex- 
tends to the cylindrical balance above. 4 
H.—A. 
