The Rhode-Island Republican. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1809-1841, 1814-08-24

REMARKS ON TORPEDOES AND
4, SUBMARINE NAVIGATION.
NO. III.

THE Torpedo invented by Mr.. FuLToN is
Dhadexo consist of the following paris /" |.
M watcr-tight chamber Of brass, occupying
not much more space than an octave volume,
{Xpd containing gun-lock 10 produce hre by
pllison with steel. Q. A cylindrical vessel
X copper, capable of containing 10 pounds
III gun-powder, or any other requisite quanti-
~. Ii Is firmly screwed 10 the chamber con.
Naming the fire works and from the pan
w here The gun.powder is first kindlcd, there
X As direct and near ccnnexioD with the whole
ASnag azine contained within the copper cylin-
Td der. 3. A certain piece Of clock.work,w which,
being put in motion, springs the gun-lock.
THIS clock-work may be sc: to move any de-
tcrm,nate time before 1t springs the lock from
few seconds to several hours.
This machincis capable of being greatly
aimpIi6ed and rendered less expensive. Ex-
cept on certain occasions, copper, or any 9TH
er metal for The cylinder is unnecessary The
same may be observed respecting the chamber
for enclosing the guo-lock. These parts may
be made OF wood. Provided they arc water
tight il is sufficient. The cock-work does
not require that complication which would, at
first, be imagined. A few wheels, with a
good handspring 10 keep them in motion,
will answer the purpose. But ono gun-lock
alone never ought TO be trusted. This may
happen 10 misirc and render the whole busi-
ness abortive. Instead Of one, three, at least,
ought TO be employed. The explosion then
will be pretty certain. Small pistol locks arc
tho most eligible. Indeed the whole ma
chine is capable of vast improvement, and ev-
cry new trial with it points out the requisite
altertions.
f y n l. = o..>f.. ~f
great importance, and deserves the attention
Of every friend of his coun,ry's welfare. If
rightly managed it will ensure inevitable des-
truction 10 the ship against which 1t is design
ed, and drive the invader from our shores. 1t
Has already struck the enemy with the utmost
terror, and tortured him with continual alarm
and apprehension.
Mr.. FuLToN was long time engaged in
bringing has Torpedo to some degree Of per-
feclion. In doing this he met with many OBJ
s,acles---" When the pursuit of any art or
science is OF such nature, that the artist can
prosecute it in his laboratory or closet at a
small expense, and with little assistance, it
has every chance of arriving at rapid improve"
mcnt and the demonstration once made,m-
mcdia,ely becomes familiar to men of science
and tho world. But when discovery requires
heavy expenses, and tho conviction OF the
public mind is 10 be prosecuted to perfection,
and rendered useful to mankind, the artist has
every difficulty to encounter. lst. The ex-
pense, which may not be within the limits Of
his private purse. 2dly. The difficulty OF IN
ducing others to aid him in The expense. Sd.
The difficulty Of proving his principles 10 the
conviction of common understanding. 4,h.
The difficulty of convincing the world of the
utility Of his invention And, sth. To guard
against interested persons preventing his in-
vcntion being introduced into practice. All
This Mr.. FuIroN had TO encounter" But,
by unremnting perseverance, he has brought
his invention TO that state which promises the
greatest utility TO the cause OF our injured
rights.
Mr.. FULToN proposed his invention, in the
FIRST place, TO the French government, but
meeting with no encouragement, he propos.
ed ii afterwards to the Eoghsh. What he
did il france, however, was littlc more than
succession OF experiments, to discover righ,
principles Of action, sshich being 10 them
selves difficult, wero not so perfected as TO
be rendered useful, when he left France and
went 60 England There he broughs his en-.
Ginss TO greater perfection, and exhibited
somc Of thcu to the late prime minister, Mr.
PIrT, who was SO well satisfied, that nc OF.
ldctcd Torpedoes 10 bs constructed to the a.
mount of ten thousand pounds siesling. When
Mr. Pfrr died, and the new ministry was
formed, they decided against Introducing into
practice a powerful mode Of attack, when, as
they commanded the seas, they did not want,
and which might be turned against them.
This, we arc assured, is the fact. ane n fact
which s,esks loud in favor Of the inycntion."
The invention was next proposed 10 The a.