CERTAI METHODS OF EXERTING, PUTTING, AND CONTINUING IN MOTION PNEUMATIC CHEMICAL OR PNEUMATO-CHEMICAL APPARATUS BY THE DECOMPOSITION, RECOMPOSITION, EXPAN- SION, AND CONDENSATION (SEPARATELY OR CONJOINTLY) OF PERMANENTLY ELASTIC FLUIDS, WHICH WILL PRODUCE POWER OR FORCE SUFFICIENT TO PUT AND CONTINUE IN MOTION ANY KIND OF MACHINERY TO WHICH THEY MAY BE APPLIED
Year: 1794

page_text: TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS SHALL COME, THOMAS
MEAD, of the Parish of Sculcoatos, otherwise Scowscotts, in the County of
York, Engincer, sendeth greeting.
WHEREAS His present Majesty King George the Third, by His Letters
Patent under the Great Seal of Great Britain, bearing date at Westminster,
the Sixth day of the present month of March, hath given and granted
unto the said Thomas Mcad, by the name and addition of Thomas Mead, of
the Parish of Sculcoates, otherwise Scowscotts, in the County of York,
Engineer, his executors, administrators, and assigns, special licence, full power,
sole priviledge and authority, to make use, exercise, and vend "CERTAI
METHODS OF EXERTING, PUTTING, AND CONTINUING IN MOTION PNEUMATIC CHEMICAL
OR PNEUMATO-CHEMICAL APPARATUS BY THE DECOMPOSITION, RECOMPOSITION, EXPAN-
SION, AND CONDENSATION (SEPARATELY OR CONJOINTLY) OF PERMANENTLY ELASTIC
FLUIDS, WHICH WILL PRODUCE POWER OR FORCE SUFFICIENT TO PUT AND CONTINUE
IN MOTION ANY KIND OF MACHINERY TO WHICH THEY MAY BE APPLIED," within that
part of Great Britain called England, His Majesty's Dominion of Wales, and
Town of Berwick-upon-Tweed, for the term of fourteen years from the date
of the said Letters Patent, and to have and enjoy the full benefit and sole use
and exercise of the said Invention during the term aforesaid; subject never-
theless to a proviso or condition in the said Letters Patent contained, that if
the said Thomas Mead should not particularly describe and ascertain the
nature of his said Invention, and in what manner the same is to be performed,
by an instrument in writing under his hand and seal, and cause the same to be
inrolled in the High Court of Chancery within one calendar month next
ensuing the date of the said Letters Patent, then the said Letters Patent,

page_text: and all liberties and advantages whatsoever thereby granted, should utterly
cease, determine, and be void.
NOW KNOW YE, that the said Thomas Mend; in complianco and per-
formance of the condition of the said Letters Patent, doth, by this Instru-
ment in writing under his hand and seal, particularly describe and ascertain
the nature of his said Invention, and the manner in which the same is to bo
performed, as well by a description in writing as also by Delineations of appa-
ratus that will help to illustrate or exemplify his principles, that is to say:-
The art of exerting power-producing and continuing motion by the decom-
position, recomposition, expansion, and condensation of permanently elastic
fluids, such as atmospheric air or any of the gasses, these principles, in their
mmuner of operating, bear so striking an analogy to some of the processes
going on in the human body, that their action may be compared to and
explained by what takes place during respiration. Air, gas, or other perma-
nently elastic fluids, and heat or combustible matter in a state of ignition,
are the agents einployed; and when the air, gas, or other permanently elastic
fluid comes in contact with the ignited combustible matter, or feels the
power of heat in a confined space or cavity (as in the chest), properly
supplied with cocks and valves, it becomes decomposed by the fire and
expanded by the hent, and by the evolution and expansion of its component
parts acts upon a moveable diaphragm or piston, which is placed in the cavity
for that purpose, and exerts power and puts in motion the machinery which
may be attached to the diaphragm for that purpose. This may be compared to
inspiration. Into a part of the cavity occupied by the expanded fluid a solid
body being then introduced displaces and transfers the air, gas, or fluid that
has sustained combustion or been expanded by the heat to that part of the
apparatus which is kept cool for the purpose of refrigeration, and there the
fluid becoming recomposed and condensed, and occupying less spaco than
before, forms an imperfect vacuum; then the atmosphere, by endeavouring to
restore the equilibrium, presses upon and forces back again the diaphragm
or piston, as in the act of expiration. Thus is respiration imitated, and
power produced capable of exerting, putting, and continuing in motion any
kind of machinery to which it may be applied.
But, in order that this general exemplification may be better understood,
the said Thomas Mead hath added a Scetch of apparatus that will be suffi
cient to enable any one to comprehend his principles of action, without
confining himself to any particular form, as that must vary in order to be
adapted to the several purposes to which power may be applied, and for which
motion may be required.

page_text: Description of an apparatus that will serve to illustrate or exemplify the
methods of applying the principles of decomposition, recomposition, expansion,
and condensation conjointly, so as to exert power and produce motion, and
shew the effect of decomposition and expansion only, and likewise assist. in
explaining the methods of operating by expansion and condensation only,
so as to produce similar effects, and also help to explain the methods of
producing motion by expansion or condensation separately.-A, a vessel
in form of a hollow cylinder, to the top of which is adapted one end of
the pipe B, B. With the other end of the same pipe is connected the
conical vessel or funnel C. D, D, a crooked pipe, communicating with the
pipe B, B, at the globular part E, in which globular part is inserted a cock, so
contrived as to open or shut the communication between the vessel A and the
vessel C, and likewise the communication between the vessel A and the pipo
D, D, for purposes hereafter to be explained. F, F, another crooked pipe, which
is made to fit accurately to the pipe D at G, so as to admit of being moved up
or down on it, air-tight. The lower part of the pipe F is represented as if
broken off from the hollow cylindrical vessel H (see I, I,) with which it is to
be connected. The vessel H is made to fit accurately into the vessel A at K,
so as to admit of being moved up or down in it, at the same time remaining
air-tight. With the lower part of the vessel H is connected one end of tho
pipe O, O, in the globular part of which, at L, is inserted a cock, by turning.
which, when the apparatus is put together, a communication between tho
atmosphero and vessel H may be formed or intercepted at pleasure. M, M,
a solid body, in form of two cylinders, of unequal diameter, joined together
in the direction of their diameters, and which he calls a transferer, the
lower end of which is connected with a rod or bar N, of sufficient strength to
carry the transferer with its appendages. The lower part of the transferer
is made to fit the vessel H, into which it is to be inserted, by putting the rod N
through the pipe 0, 0, within the lower part of which it is made to move or
slide, air-tight. When the two vessels H and M are thus put together they
form one cylinder, the exterior diameter of which corresponds to the interior
diameter of the vessel A, thro' the transferer M, in the direction of its
diameter; and concentric thereto is a hole or cavity extending from one end
to the other. Over the upper end of the transferer at P (which is a little
hollowed or excavated for that purpose) is placed the hollow fire-grate Q, the
diameter of which is nearly equal to the diameter of the transferer.
Method of adjusting the apparatus for the reception and application of the
preceeding principles.-Let the vessel A be placed crect, with the funnel upper-

page_text: most, and the transferer M inserted in the cylindrical vessel II, the fire-grate Q
placed on the top of the transferer at P; then let the transferer, thus equip'd,
be introduced with the grating uppermost into the vessel A, and the pipe D
inserted in the pipe F.
Application of the principles to the apparatus, and method of operating so
as to produce and continue motion.-Let both the cocks be opened, so as to
form a communication between the atmosphere and interior parts of the vessels,
both above and below. Let combustible matter be introduced and placed upon
the grate Q, and ignited. When combustion has sufficiently taken place, shut
the cock at L, and let the transferer, with the vessel H, be raised until the
grate arrives at the top of the vessel A. The fluid decomposed by combustion
will by this means be forced out into the atmosphere. Then shut the cock at E,
and open the other at L. Let the transferer remain elevated, and the vessel II
drop from the bottom of the transferer, with its cock open so far as to admit
of a sufficient quantity of atmospheric air, or other fluid that will support
combustion, to enter and remain beneath the transferer in the vessel H. Then
let the cock at L be shut, and the portion of air or other fluid will be confined
in the vessel H. Lower the transferer, and the fluid that was confined in the
vessel II will be transferred and forced to ascend thro' the cavity in the trans-
ferer, and likewise thro' the ignited combustiblos on the grate, into the upper
part of the vessel A, and be decomposed, rarefied, and expanded, and, by its
expansive force, act upon and drive down the vessel II and transferer M;
which, performing the office of a moveable diaphragm or piston, will put in
motion any machine that may be applied to it. Turn the cock at E, so as to
open the communication thro' the crooked pipes between the vessel A and the
vessel H. Let the transferer be raised, and the air, gas, or other fluids that
have supported combustion and undergone the process of decomposition, or
may have been set at liberty during that process, will be transfered and forced
to descend into the vessel II, where, by refrigeration, recomposition and con-
densation will tako place, and an imperfect vacuum be formed; then the
atmosphere, by endeavoring to restore the equilibrium, will forco back again
the vessel II. When the expansive force of the inclosed fluid and the pressure of
the atmosphere becomes equal, permit the remaining inclosed fluid to escapo
by opening the cock at L, and, raising the vessel II, shut the communication
between the vessel A and the vessel H by means of the crooked pipes, and let
the cock at L be again opened, and the vessel H be permitted to descend with-
out the transferer, and receive a fresh portion of air, gas, or other fluid that
will support combustion, and when a sufficient quantity is received let the cock

page_text: at L be shut, and the transferer be permitted to descend into the vessel H,
and proceed as before. Thus motion will be generated, and may be continued
at pleasure.
Method of operating by decomposition and expansion only.-Let the appa-
ratus remain adjusted as before, with the vessel A erect (the crooked pipes aro
of no use in this operation); and let both the cocks be opened, and a fire lighted
on the grate, as before. When the combustible matter is sufficiently inflamed
shut the cock at L, and let the vessel H, with the transferer M, be raised
until the grate Q arrives at the top of the vessel A, and the foul air or other
gas will be forced out into the atmosphere. Shut the cock at E, and open the
other at L. Let the transferer remain clevated, and permit the vessel II to
descend until a sufficient quantity of air, gas, or other fluid that will promote
combustion has entered, then shut the cock at L, and the fluid will be confined
in the vessel H. Then let the transferer descend into the vessel H, and the
confined fluid will by that means be transferred, and forced to ascend out of
the vessel H into the upper and heated part of the vessel A, and will be decom-
posed and expanded, and force the vessel H, with the transferer M, to
descend, which, performing the office of a moveable diaphragm or piston,
as before, will put any machinery in motion which may be connected with it.
When the inclosed fluid has sufficiently expanded itself, permit it to escape by
opening the cock at E, and raising the vessel H and transferer M; or convey
it in its heated state, and apply it to any useful purpose that occasion may
require. Shut the cock at E, and permit the vessel H to descend, with the
cock at L open, and without the transferer, until a fresh portion of air, gas, or
other fluid that will support combustion has entered. Then let the cock at L
be shut, and permit the transferer to descend into the vessel II, and the air or
other fluid will be transfered and expanded as before. Thus. power may be
exerted, and motion continued.
Method of operating by expansion and condensation only, so as to exert
power and continue motion.-Let the vessel A remain erect, the transferer
and vessel H inserted as before, and elevated or raised up in the vessel H,
either with the grate remaining or taken quite away. The whole of the pipes
may also remain, or be removed from the vessels A and H, excepting the
pipe 0, 0, and cavities formed for their insertion, be closed up. Permit a
portion of the air, gas, or other permanently clastic fluid to enter, by opening
the cock at Land lowering the vessel H. Then shut the cock, and let a fire be
made round, or applied to the outside of the vessel A, towards its upper end,'
as at R, R. When the vessel A is sufficiently heated, lower the transferer,
and the air, gas, or other fluid that was confined in the vessel H will be trans-

page_text: ferred or forced to ascend into the upper or heated part of the vessel A, where
it will become rarefied and expanded, and by its expansive force drive down
the vessel H and transferer M, and put in motion the machinery that may bo
connected with it. Then let the transferer be raised, and the rarefied and
expanded air, gas, or other fluid will be transfered, and forced to descend into
the vessel H, where, by refrigeration, it will be condensed, and an imperfect
vacuum formed. The atmosphere, in restoring the equilibrium, will force the
vessel H to re-ascend in the vessel A, and again, but in a contrary direction.
act upon the machinery, and continue motion. And thus, by alternately
transferring from one part to the other, and alternately heating and cooling,
expanding and condensing one and the same portion of air, gas, or other fluid,
alternate and reciprocal motion may be produced and continued; or a part
of the inclosed fluid, or even the whole, may be permited to escape, and a
fresh portion introduced as often as may be thought proper, and the effect
continue the same.
Method of exciting motion by expansion only.-Let the apparatus, with tho
pipe B, B, and cock at E, and with or without the crooked pipes, remain erect
and adjusted as in the preceeding operation, and the vessel A be heated
externally as before, with the transferer raised or elevated in it. Open the cock
at L, and let the vessel II descend until a sufficient quantity of air, gas, or
other fluid is received. When a sufficient quantity has entered, shut the cock
at L, and lower the transferer, and the inclosed fluid will be transfered into
the heated part of the vessel A, where it will be expanded, and forco down the
vessel H and transferer M, and give motion to the machinery, as before. Open
the cock at E, and raise the transferer and vessel II, and the inclosed fluid will
be forced out through the pipe B, B, from whence it may be conveyed in its
hoated state in tubes or otherwise, and applied to many useful purposes where
heat is required. Then let the cock at E be shut, and the cock at L be opened,
and let the vessel H descend without the transferer, until a fresh portion of
fluid is received; then let the cock at L be shut, and permit the transferer
to descend into the vessel H, and the inclosed fluid will be transfered, heated,
and expanded, and motion continued.
Method of exciting motion by condensation only.-Let the apparatus remain
adjusted as in the last experiment, and heat, as before, be applied to the upper
part of the vessel A, with the transferer and vessel II elevated in .it. Let the
cock at E remain shut. Open the cock at L, and permit the vessel H to
descend without the transferer, until it has received a suflicient quantity of
atmospheric air or other clastic fluid. Then shut the cock at L, and permit tho
transferer to descend into the vessel II. Open the cock at E and the expanded

page_text: fluid will rush out with violence, and which may be directed and ignited fuel,
to promote or assist combustion, or applied to other useful purposes whero &
strong current of heated elastic fluid is required. When the expanded fluid
has ceased to escape, shut the cock at E, and raise the transferer, and the
remaining part of the expanded fluid will be forced to descend into the vessel
H, and be condensed (the vessel H being, in this and the preceeding processes,
kept cold for that purpose); the atmosphero will act upon the vessel II, and
force it to reascend and give motion to the machinery that may be applied to
it. When the atmosphere has performed its office, open the cock at L, and
permit the vessel H again to descend without the transferer, until it becomes
recharged, and proceed as before, and motion will be generated and continued
at pleasure.
N.B. In case the pressure of the atmosphere should be objected to, to
restore the equilibrium in the preceding explanation, an inclosed portion of air-
or other elastic fluid, confined in vessels for that purpose, may be made use of;
or the equilibrium may be restored by the gravity of unelastic fluids, or
by various other mechanical methods. Thus, as it was not for any particular
apparatus for which the Letters Patent were granted, but methods of exerting,
putting, and continuing them in motion, the said Thomas Mead hath thought it
unnecessary to make use of any further description of instruments than may serve
to make this Invention sufficiently intelligible, for had it been otherwise neces-
sary he could have combined and multiplied them into a great number of
forms, suiting the various purposes of the arts, as the preceeding exemplification
sufficiently explains.
In witness whereof, the said Thomas Mead hath hereunto set his hand
and seal, the Twentieth day of March, in the thirty-fourth year
of the reign of our Sovereign Lord George the Third, by the grace
God of Great Britain, France, and Ireland King, Defender of the
Faith, and so forth, and in the year of our Lord One thousand seven.
hundred and ninety-four.

page_text: AND BE IT REMEMBERED, that on the Twentieth day of March, in
the year of our Lord 1794, the aforesaid Thomas Mead came before our
said Lord the King in His Chancery, and acknowledged the Specification
aforesaid, and all and every thing therein contained and specified, in form
above written. And also the Specification aforesaid was stampt according
to the tenor of the Statutes made for that purpose.
Inrolled the Second day of April, in the year of our Lord One thousand
seven hundred and ninety-four.