Rumsey and Fitch steamboat propulsion debate from 1789
In Brissot de Warville's travel notes dated Sept 1788 the author discusses John Fitch and James Rumsey, noting a contest over a steam powered vessel. Rumsey’s design, powered by a steam engine driving three large pistons at 160 strokes per minute, is analyzed for practicality, cost, and labor demands, with cautious optimism about eventual usefulness in America and comparisons to French river navigation.
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