Richmond daily times. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1853, 1853-01-15

CURED any expenditure of heat! Does not the
steam, after having lifted this weight, contain
just as much heat as it did before leaving the
steam boer-less only the losses by radiation Z?
And does not that heat retain all the properties
alter the operation which it possessed before
Am L, then, incorrect in stating that we have OBJ
tanned this power without changing the nature
or diminishing the energy of the heat employed!
But although nature has furnished us with an
agent OF such extraordinary properties for the
production OF mechanical force, how imperfectly
do we employ it In the low-pressure engine
we turn the steam, after having performed lis
goou once, INTO condensing apparatus where
| the heat is in a manner annihilated; and in the
high pressure engine we throw it away into the
| atmosphere. Yet men, of mechanical dis
| tnctlon, ridcule the idea of superseding the
steain-engine; and science seems to pause con-
tentedly in the contemplation of ltS admttd per-
| lection. For more theorist to attempt ali expo
stlon OF Its defects, or to suggest substitute,
would under such circumstances, excite little at
| tention; but the opinions and views in this con-
nexion, OF man of great practical knowledge,
who has planned and constructed hundreds of
steam engines, are entitled, certainly, to a pecu-
| liar consideration
''From what have already said, it will be
| readily inferred that the principle forming the
basis of the Caloric Engine is that of returning
the heat at each stroke of the piston, and using
it over and over again. This is obviously imp 1ac-
|
um. Ericsson, therefore, uses the permanent
gases, and, in preference to all others, atmos-
| pherc air. The object which he seeks to accom-
pllsh is simply this--that the heat contained in
the air which escapes from the working cylinder
should be elfectually taken up by the air which
enters it, at each stroke Of the engine This re-
suit Captain Erices On has accomplished by
means of an apparatus which he styles regenera-
tor; and so perfectly does it operate, that the heat
employed in first setting the engine in motion
continues to sustain it in full working force, with
no other renewal or addition than may be requi-
site to supply the inconsderable loss by radia.
ton. This remarkable invention was first
brought before the scientific world in London in
the year 1888, though it had been a fayorte SUBJ
ject of speculation and reflection with Captain
Ericsson for many years. With the prominent
exception of the celebrated DR.. Andrew Ure and
| Professor Faraday, now the most distinguished
chemists in England, nearly all the leading
scientific men of the day united in condemning
the principle on which it was based as unsound
| and untenable.
"After such preliminary experiments as he
deemed requisite to enable him to ascertain the
best form of the Regeneration, the inventor at
once constructed in London working engine of
five horse power, the performance of which was
witnessed by great number of gentlemen of
scientific pretensions in that metropolis Among
others, the popular author Sir Richard Phillips,
examined it; and, in his Dictionary of the Arts of
Lille and OF Civilization he thus notices the result
OF this experiment. THE author has, he saws,
with indispensable delight, seen the first model
| machine of five horse power at work With
handful Of fuel, applied to the very sensible me-
dlum OF atmospheric air, and most ingenious
disposition of it's dferential powers, he beheld
resulting action, in narrow compass, capable of
extension to as great forces. as ever can be
welded or used by man.
| ssThe interest which this excited did not es.
cape the British government. But short time
was permitted to elapse before the Secretary of
the Home department, Lord Althorp, now Earl
Spencer made his appearance in the eneine.room
where the new motive power was in operation
His lordship was accompanied BY Mr. Brunei,
the constructor of the Thames Tunnel, and gen.
tleman at one period distinguished for his skill
and enterprise as an engineer. At this time he
was somewhat advanced in years, and therefore,
perhaps, not most judiciousy selected by his
lordship to judge of this invention AT the verv out
set he conceived an altogether erroneous notion
OF the nature of the new power, which he would
not suffer to be corrected by explanations. An
earnest discussion arose between Mr.. Brunei and
the inventor on the spot, which was followed by
a protracted correspondence. The result was
that an unfavorable impression of the new pow
er was communicated to the British government
''The invention Jared but little better at the
hands of Professor Faraday, from whose efficient
advocacy and influence the most favorable results
might have been anticipated This gentleman
had announced that he would deliver lecture on
the subject in London, in the spacious theatre of
the Royal Institution. The novelty and interest
OF the invention, combined with the distinguished
reputation OF the lecturer, had attracted yery
large audience, including many individuals of EN-
inent scientific attainments. Just half an hour,
| however, before he was expected to enliehten this
distinguished assembly, the celebrated lecturer
discovered that ne had mistaken the expansive
principle which is the very life of the machine AL
though he had spent many hours in studying the
Galore Engine in actual operation, and in testing
Its absolute force by repeated experiments, Pro-
lessor Faraday was compelled to inform his hear.
eTs at the very outset that ne did not know why
the engine worked at all. He was obliged tocon.
fine himself, therefore, to the explanation of the
regeneration, and the process by which the heat is
continually returned to the cylinder, and re.em
poyed in the production of force To his part
OF the invention he rendered ample justice, and
explained 1T in that felictous style to which he is
indebted for the reputation he deservedly enjoys
as the most agreeable and successful lecturer in
England.
"Other causes than the misconception of
Brunei and a Faraday operated to retard the
practical success of this beautiful invention The
high temperature which it was necessary to keep
up in the circulating medium of the engine, and
| the consequent oxidation, soon DESTROYED the
pistons, valves, and other working parts. These
dlflcultles the inventor endeavored to remedy, in
an engine which he subsequently, constructed of
much larger powers, but without success His
failure in this respect however, has not deferred
him from prosecuting his invention. During his
residence in this co pantry Captain Ericsson has
constructed two engines, though purely expert
mental with the view of working at reduced
temperature; and he is gradually, but surely, ap-
preaching the realization of his great scheme''
[From the New York Herald1
THE CALORIC SHIP ERICSSON.
Successful Trial 1rip-General Description of
j tLe L.