An Historical and Descriptive Account of the Steam Engine

Though much about his life is uncertain, Charles Frederick Partington is known to have lectured at the London Institution between 1823 and 1830 on a variety of technical topics, and he delivered some of the first lectures specifically designed for young people. He had a particular interest in the steam engine, and this book, reissued here in the first edition of 1822, was one of the earliest overviews of its history and development. A third edition appeared in 1826. Noting the excessive frequency with which 'the faults of any new invention are unjustly magnified, while its real advantages are seldom duly appreciated', the author is keen to act as evangelist. Detailed and illustrated descriptions of various early engines are included, comparing their characteristics and advantages. Also of note are Partington's descriptions of early attempts to mitigate the 'smoke and noxious effluvia which proceed from their capacious vomitories'.