PUBLISHERS’ PREFACE.

The object of the present Work on MODERN STEAM PRACTICEand Engineering is to furnish a reliable guide to the PracticalEngineer,—a book to assist the draughtsman, the forenaan, or theworkman in the engine shop and the building yard, to turn out, eachin his own department, well-designed, substantial, and thoroughlyfinished work. In order that this may be satisfactorily accom-plished some measure of acquaintance with the principles onwhich the various operations rest is required, and formulse anddemonstrations have therefore been introduced where necessary.As a branch of Engineering Science the construction and workingof machinery must of necessity rest upon established laws, and noengineer will seek to divorce the practice from the theory of hisprofession; but the disastrous consequences occasionally arisingfrom inefficient material and workmanship in an engine, a ship, ora bridge clearly point to the importance of attention to minutepractical details, and therefore attention to such details has beensteadily kept in view throughout the book.

An examination of the Table of Contents will give an idea ofthe scope and arrangement of the Work. After a brief notice ofCoal and Coal-mining, the Boiler and the Treatment of Steamare discussed. The Land or Stationary Engine in its many formsand applications follows. The Marine Engine of the present dayis then treated of; followed by the Locomotive Engine Britishand American, with details and specifications of various forms ofengine. The principles and constructive details of Shipbuildingare considered, examples being given of some of our most suc-cessful ocean liners and war ships. The larger part of the remainingsection is occupied with examples of Engineering works executedwithin recent years. Numerous tables and rules will be found