JOHN ERICSSON. 209 



" The commercial world is indebted to American enterprise 

 for having settled a question of such vital importance. The 

 marine engineer has thus been encouraged to renew his efforts 

 to perfect the steam-engine without fear of rivalry from a 

 motor depending on the dilation of atmospheric air by heat." 



Ericsson did not, however, give up the idea of the usefulness 

 of this engine, as in places where water is scarce or not obtain- 

 able, it is necessary. It is gratifying to know that his exertions 

 in this direction did not go unrewarded; the American 

 Academy of Arts and Sciences voted in 1862: "That the 

 Rumford premium be awarded to John Ericsson for his 

 improvements in the management of heat, particularly as shown 

 in his Caloric Engine." 



Ericsson's tireless brain was now turned towards another 

 possible motive-power, in the sun's rays. His solar engine was 

 intended for use in sunny countries ; as, for instance. Upper 

 Egypt, North African deserts. Eastern Arabia, the western part 

 of China, in the Western Hemisphere, Lower California, 

 Mexico, and North America, &c. He can even now supply 

 an engine of one hundred horse-power, to any one who can 

 pay the price, but it is too expensive, under existing circum- 

 stances, to make the venture a profitable one. The time may 

 come when it may be used with advantage. It is, indeed, a noble 

 idea to convert a power which, in many countries, is a means 

 of blight into a blessing. The screw propeller was suggested 

 to Ericsson by the study of the movements of birds and fishes. 

 This propeller was first offered to the English Admiralty, who 

 rejected it, and thus England lost Ericsson; he met an 

 American naval officer, who took up the idea with enthusiasm, 

 and ordered two vessels to be made at his own expense. He 

 removed to America in 1839. Captain Stocktin's government 



