of Steam-Navigation. , 85 
“ Inventions which have a tendency to promote the happi- 
ness, or to increase the comforts, of mankind in general, should, 
as soon as they have been brought to any degree of maturity, 
and can be described with tolerable precision, be communicated 
to the world at large. 
“ Impressed with this sentiment, I have caused to be en- 
graved a plan and views of a triple vessel, constructed on a 
new principle, and also a plan and view of a wheel to give her 
motion through the water. That engraving, with explanations, 
is subjoined. The properties peculiar to vessels so constructed, 
with the benefits which may be expected to result from them 
to society, I shall endeavour to describe as clearly as the nature 
of the subject will allow. 
u The years I have applied myself to this subject, and the 
many experiments I have made with vessels which I caused to 
be built for the sole purpose of improving naval architecture, 
have given rise to the invention which I now communicate. 
u The first and principal property of vessels constructed up- 
on the plan here communicated, is derived from the wheels, 
the mechanism of which is simple and obvious. To work them 
seamanship is not requisite, for it can be performed even by 
the most ignorant, — strength and agility in the men employed 
being all that is necessary. 
“ From the experiments I have made in different vessels with 
the wheels wrought by cranks, as shewn in the plan, it appears 
to me, that ships, however great their burden, if there be no 
wind, and the water is smooth, may be made to pass through 
it at the rate of from three to four miles an hour. 
“ When the movement of the wheel comes to be aided by 
mechanical powers, so as to accelerate its revolutions, the be- 
fore-mentioned rate of a ship’s going through the water will be 
in proportion to the power used. 
“ I have also reason to believe, that the power of the 
STEAM-ENGINE MAY BE APPLIED TO WORK THE WHEELS, SO AS 
to give them a quicker motion, and consequently to increase 
that of the ship. In the course of this summer I intend to 
make the experiment, and the result, if favourable, shall be 
communicated to the public.” 
