Discover the full story behind one of steam power’s key innovations and how it shaped engines from ships to locomotives.
This work presents the history, principles, and practical use of link motion and expansion gears, illustrated by hundreds of plates and diagrams that illuminate real-world applications.
The text combines historical narrative with technical detail, tracing the invention, development, and widespread adoption of valve-gear systems. It explains how the link motion works, why it matters for reversing and expanding steam, and how engineers relied on careful design and tested practice to achieve reliable performance.
- Clear explanations of how steam-working valves and link motions operate
- Historical context showing the evolution of valve gear from 1775 to 1870
- Hundreds of illustrations and plates illustrating gears, cams, levers, and timing
- Practical discussions of proportions, lead, lap, and expansion in steam engines
Ideal for readers interested in the history of engineering, marine and locomotive power, and the practical craft of valve-gear design.