The Nautical Steam Engine Explained, and Its Powers and Capabilities Described for the Use of Officers of the Navy and Others Interested in the Important Results of Steam Navigation

"The Nautical Steam Engine Explained, And Its Powers And Capabilities Described For The Use Of Officers Of The Navy And Others Interested In The Important Results Of Steam Navigation" by Robert S. Robinson. This work provides a practical, instructional manual on naval steam propulsion. It explains steam as a moving power, outlining fundamental concepts such as atmospheric pressure, vacuum, latent heat, and the expansion of steam. The book surveys the marine steam engine’s principal components: the cylinder, sliding (D) valve, condenser, air pump, and the boiler, alongside the working mechanisms (sway beams, cross-head, side rods, connecting rods, and parallel motion). It discusses the differences between high- and low-pressure systems, and between condensing and non-condensing operation, including the use of expansive power and efficient condensation. It also describes starting and stopping procedures, the role of feed and bilge pumps, and the effects of salt-water on boilers, with discussion of Hall’s distilled-water condensers. The text uses plates and practical guidance to naval officers and engineers, emphasizing steam power as a vital element in naval navigation and warfare.