Article ID: CBB001421226

Witnessing Power: John Elder and the Making of the Marine Compound Engine, 1850--1858 (2014)

unapi

Shipowners' seemingly slow adoption of marine compound engines is often attributed to not appreciating the new technology's superior economy. This article argues that this slow adoption needs to be understood alongside the challenges faced by engine builders in persuading skeptical shipowners and practical engineers that their designs were trustworthy. It explores the rich cultural contexts within which Glasgow master engineer John Elder and his associates rendered their marine compound engines credible for Liverpool's Pacific Steam Navigation Company, the first line to deploy the new engine. Elder operated within a culture whose hallmarks were useful work, economy, and the power of direct witnessing. The article also explores the role of William McNaught, an independent consultant with a strong track record as both a practical engineer and the inventor of a steam-engine indicator. His indicator, deployed to evaluate the performance of Elder's compound engines, stood at the center of the controversy over their economy.

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Citation URI
https://data.isiscb.org/isis/citation/CBB001421226/

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Authors & Contributors
Domżał, Robert
Caputo, Francesco
Janni, Pietro
Jeffreys, Elizabeth
Giuntini, Andrea
Gertwagen, Ruth
Concepts
Ships and shipbuilding
Engineering
Technology
Navigation
Engines
Transportation
Time Periods
19th century
20th century
18th century
Medieval
Ancient
20th century, early
Places
Great Britain
Italy
Mediterranean region
Europe
China
Middle and Near East
Institutions
Curtiss-Wright Corporation
Rolls-Royce, Ltd.
Pratt & Whitney Company
Great Britain. Royal Navy
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