Masterpieces of Science 



engine system lifted up his hands, and ex- 

 claimed, "Now has George Stephenson at last 

 delivered himself." 



The "Rocket" had eclipsed the performance 

 of all locomotive engines that had yet been con- 

 structed, and outstripped even the sanguine ex- 

 pectations of its constructors. It satisfactorily 

 answered the report of Messrs. Walker and Ras- 

 trick, and established the efficiency of the loco- 

 motive for working the Liverpool and Man- 

 chester Railway, and, indeed, all future railways. 

 The "Rocket" showed that a new power had 

 been born into the world, full of activity and 

 strength, with boundless capability of work. 

 It was the simple but admirable contrivance of 

 the steamblast, and its combination with the 

 multitubular boiler, that at once gave locomotion 

 a vigorous life, and secured the triumph of the 

 railway system.* 



* When heavier and more powerful engines were brought 

 upon the road, the old "Rocket," becoming regarded as a 

 thing of no value, was sold in 1837. It hat> since been trans- 

 ferred to the Museum of Patents at South Kensington, Lon- 

 don, where it is still to be seen. 



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