574 TRANSACTIONS OF THE 



vals, and by two steam and two exhaust valves on each cylinder. 

 Since these changes involve new difficulties, and leave many old 

 ones unremoved, the success though not complete, is, neverthe- 

 less, appreciable, and in the right direction. 



The nature of steam, then, and the history of its appliance, 

 teach us, 1st. That the grand valve apparatus which shall distin- 

 guish future locomotion, is not yet devised; 2d. That the princi- 

 ples which will forever and alone lie at the basis of success, are 

 known and proved. 



The facilities for the accomplishment of this difficult work, 

 could not be more abundant. The uncertainty of theories, in the 

 cheap generation of steam, involves costly experiment, and doubt- 

 ful issue; but in its use there are two invaluable devices which 

 criticise and appraise with undeviating accui-acy. The judicator 

 tells what the problem is. The model shows how far and how 

 well it is done. 



In conclusion — without dwelling on those interesting questions, 

 the form of engines, the effects and philosophy of complication; 

 and those causes not resident in the motors or their appliance, 

 which so materially affect the progress of locomotive engineering, 

 it appears that the production and use of the natural forces are 

 still in their infancy, and that full development will be the work 

 of ages. 



Rapid and cheap locomotion, is a subject of the deepest mo- 

 ment to them of every grade and condition. It promotes moral 

 reform; it stimulates intellectual labor; it enhances physical 

 weal. 



The time is not distant, when the achievements of engineering 

 shall be at once the wealth and the glory of the civilised world. 



After some remarks by Messrs. Creamer, Leonard, Tillman, 

 Geissenhainer and others; on motion of Mr. Geissenhainer, it was 



Resolved, That the thanks of this Club be given to Mr. Hol- 

 ley for his able paper, and that he be requested to furnish a copy 

 for publication in the Transactions of the Society. 



Mr. St. John then proceeded with the second subject, " The 

 best mode of raising sunken vessels;" and explained a plan of 

 his own for that purpose, by various models and by drawings on 

 the blackboard. 



The thanks of the Club were passed to Mr. St. John, for his 

 explanations. 



The committee proposed the following subjects for the next 

 meeting : 



