4 On a New Form of 



velocity, it is correct to infer that the propelling fins of fishes 

 act much more effectively, and with less loss of power, than 

 the paddle wheels and screw. 



If, therefore, we assume that there is no snch loss of power 

 in Nature's machinery, surely we shall admit that by imita- 

 ting Nature more closely than we have hitherto done we 

 may yet succeed in discovering a mode of propulsion of 

 greater power, and of more simple application, than the 

 existing modes. 



I cannot but hope that there is a wide field yet open for 

 improvement in marine propulsion, and that modern science 

 will yet develop more simple and effective means of obtaining 

 a greatly increased velocity in steam navigation. 



In accomplishing this desirable end, much remains to be 

 done in improving the form and construction of ships them- 

 selves, and in thus lessening their resistance to the water ; 

 but it is no less true that a great increase of velocity would 

 result from an improved mode of propulsion, by which the 

 present waste of steam power would be avoided, and by 

 which the whole power employed would be rendered effective 

 for direct propulsion. 



It had long occurred to me that some more effective 

 mechanism than the paddle wheels or screw might yet be 

 discovered ; but it was only a few months since that I acci- 

 dentally directed my attention to the subject, and it is with 

 some diffidence that I now venture to bring under the notice 

 of the Institute the model of a propeller upon a new prin- 

 ciple, and whose object is to fulfil, as far as possible, the 

 conditions which I have specified. 



If the principle of its action is correct, and if it shall be 

 found to possess any advantages over the paddle wheels, or 

 the screw, I shall be glad to think that I have contributed 

 to the advancement of practical science. 



If, on the other hand, it shall be found to be unavailable, 

 or inferior to other existing modes of propulsion, I shall, at 

 all events, not regret that I have devoted some attention to a 

 subject so interesting in a scientific point of view, and so 

 important to the future commerce of the world. 



The construction of this propeller is very simple, and 

 easily understood, and, whatever may be the result of its 

 practical application, I am not without hope that, in the prin- 

 ciple of its action, you will find that it approaches very nearly 

 to the conditions which were stated theoretically to belong to 

 a perfect propeller. 



