48 Perkins'' Steam Engine. 



sure can be carried. I am now making a small engine, 

 strong enough to bear 2000 lbs. per inch, and when done 

 you shall know the result. Nothing but the piston will limit 

 the power. 



The victory which I have obtained, has been a glorious one 

 for me. For the last three months, many of the engineers 

 had declared me insane, as I had asserted that I could con- 

 dense, and produce a vacuum under the piston, without ei- 

 ther an air pump or condensing water ; but the tables are 

 now turned, and my triumph over those who have illiberally 

 assailed me, is complete. By the next packet you may ex- 

 pect drawings, &c. of my engine ; and I hope within one 

 short year to take a seat, with my friend Dr. Jones, by the 

 side of a generator, sustaining a pressure of 3000 lbs. to the 

 square inch ; for this pressure on the generator is required to 

 produce a working power of 2000 lbs. to the square inch up- 

 on the piston. 



I have several times mentioned the name of our friend 

 Lukens, who is here, and in pretty good health. He has 

 been introduced to many of the first characters, and is con- 

 sidered as very clever, particularly by one of the greatest 

 philosophers, and best judges of the age. His fame is al- 

 ready high, and is rising, but it must of course require a resi- 

 dence here of some time, for him to be estimated, and remu- 

 nerated, according to his merits. 



This letter has been written, a few lines at a time, as I 

 could catch a spare moment, and sometimes at intervals of 

 several days. You likewise know, that the business of wri- 

 ting is one in which I do not profess to be at home ; you will, 

 therefore, I am sure, excuse any inaccuracy, or want of con- 

 nexion, which it may exhibit, and believe me to be, 



Yours, truly,. Jacob Perkins. 



2. Observations on Perkins Improved Steam Engine. By 

 the Editor of the London Journal of Arts, fyc. 



This important invention, respecting which, such conflict- 

 ing opinions have been long entertained, appears to be now 

 assuming a shape that will very shortly determine the points 

 of controversy, (viz.) the question of the perfect safety of the 

 engine ; its actual power ; and the great economy of fuel. 



Mr. Perkins last patent has passed the Great Seal ; his 

 recent improvements may, therefore, with safety now be men- 



