I think it is desirable that some one should give to this section a
record, even although it must be but a brief and an imperfect one, of
certain of the improvements that have been made, and of some of the
progress that has taken place, during the last fifty years, in the
practical application of mechanical science, with which science and
its applications our section is particularly connected. I regret to
say that, like most of the gentlemen who sat on this platform
yesterday, who, I think, were, without exception, past presidents of
the section, I am old enough to give this record from personal
experience. Fifty years ago I had not the honor of being a member, nor
should I, it is true, have been eligible for membership of the
association; but I was at that time vigorously making models of
steam-engines, to the great annoyance of the household in which I
lived, and was looking forward to the day when I should be old enough
to be apprenticed to an engineer. Without further preface, I will
briefly allude to some of the principal developments of a few of the
branches of engineering. I am well aware that many branches will be
left unnoticed; but I trust that the omissions I may make will be
remedied by those present who may speak upon the subject after me.

I will begin by alluding to


THE STEAM-ENGINE EMPLOYED FOR MANUFACTURING PURPOSES.

In 1831, the steam-engine for these purposes was commonly the
condensing beam engine, and was supplied with steam from boilers,
known, from their shape, as wagon boilers; this shape appears to have
been chosen rather for the convenience of the sweeps, who periodically
went through the flues to remove the soot consequent on the imperfect