Plate CCCCLXX. Steam Navigation
Engraver
George Aikman
Editor
Professor Macvey Napier
(1776 - 1847)
Publisher
A & C Black Ltd
(founded 1807)
Date1830-1842
Object number00019739
NameEngraving
MediumSteel engraving on paper
DimensionsOverall: 276 x 405 mm, 8g
ClassificationsEphemera
Credit LineANMM Collection
DescriptionThis engraving featured in the 7th edition of the Encyclopaedia Britannica published between 1830 and 1842. It illustrates the engines of Royal Mail Ships BRITANNIA, ARCADIA, CALEDONIA and COLUMBIA. The midship section shows the elevation of the cylinder, two large steam boilers operating large vertical pistons, which cradle gears through rocker arm to the overhead drive shaft which power the external paddle wheels. This engraving probably featured in the 7th edition ‘Encyclopaedia Britannica: A Dictionary of Arts, Sciences, and General Literature’ published in 1842.