Edwardsville spectator. [volume] (Edwardsville, Ill.) 1819-1826, 1823-06-28
From the London Journal of Arts, &c.
Perkins STEAM ENGINE.


There has been no invention or disco
very in the arts for many years, which
has excited SO much public attention and
speculative opinion, as theimprovements
on steam engines about 10 be introduced
by Mr.. Perkins. We hoped to have
been able in our present number to state
the results OF actual experiment, but the
construction and completion of a steam
engine is not the work OF day. To say
the truth, we are surprized at the pro-
Bress made in the short space of few
weeks; being enabled from our own
knowledge to state that the engine is
nearly in working condition, and pro-
baby before this meets the eye of our
readers, will have been actually put in
operation.
The engine, constructed to demonstrate
the new principle, is intended to exert
power equal to ten horses its generator
(in place OF boiler) holds about eight
gallons the working cyIander is only
eighteen inches long. The parts have
been proved by hydraulic pressure to
bear force equal to two thousand
pounds upon the square inch, weak
part has been subsequently introduced,
which shall give way at one thousand
pound pressure, the engine intended to
be worked by steam raised to seven hun
dred.
While we feel indignant at the intern
perate squibs which are daily thrown by
the ignorant and illiberal agains, every
effort OF genius which scars above the
grovelling views of the multitude, we
are not SO sanguine as to expect all that
has been contemplated from this sur
Prlzlng invention; certainly the promises
are fair, and the anticipations warm
among those from whose experience we
might derive confidence, but the proper
ties OF steam are not fully known, and
the experiment may yet demonstrate the
detects OF theory at all events there is
little doubt something has been effected
ofconsiderable importance in this branch
ofscience, and we wait with no small de-
gree OF anxiety 10 see the absolute result
A letter from Mr.. Perkins, to a friend
in Newburyport, mentions that he has
just completed his new engine, and that
the experiment succeeded according to
his expectations.
To the Medical profession. al
most every section of our country, cpl
demic fevers, peculiar in character, and
singulary fatal have for the last few
years, prevailed to an alarming extent.
Desirious of improving science, and
serving the interests of humanity, by di-
recting the attention of physicians to
their investigation, the proprietor of the
American Medical Recorder is induced
to offer premium of one hundred dol
lars. or gold medal of equal value,
with an appropriate inscription, Cat the
option Of the author) for the best essay
on their causes, nature, mode of treat
ment, &c. sc.
The essays will be submitted to the de-
cision Of not less than four respectable
physicians; and in order to obviate the
chance of partially, the candidates are
requested to forward their essays unsign-
ed !; accompanied by sealed note, con-
tanning their names and address.
The successful essay will be publish
ed in the American Medical Recorder
and it is desirable that it should appear
in the number for January 1924. Com
munications, post paid, to the publisher,
James Webster, No. "a, South Eighth
Street, will be received until the 5th OF
November next.
PHILADELPHIA, May 9Th, 1898.