It is a rare thing to-day to see any of the power machines dragged home by horse power. Not many years ago this was a common sight. The size, shape, and materials used, have been understood by scientific analysis and study, so that breakage, under ordinary uses, is not at all a common thing. It is the aim of this book to show in as simple a manner as possible how this wonderful transformation has been brought about, and to furnish one or more types of each element, properly constructed and arranged, so that the boy may understand how each part is built, and the particular reasons for the structures. In no branch of manufactures can be found such a variety of technical designations as have grown out of this industry. By virtue of necessity, many of these names have been coined to suit the conditions. This knowledge is imparted in these pages, which contains a complete glossary of every term used in the art. THE AUTHOR. AUTOMOBILES CHAPTER I AUTOMOBILE HISTORY AND DEVELOPMENT It is generally believed that automobiles originated within the present century, this idea having gained currency because, until within the past twenty years, no practical machines were put on the market. DEVELOPMENT OF THE INDUSTRY.--The development of the industry has been a peculiar one, in some respects. As early as the year 1275, Roger Bacon speculated on the possibilities of using steam, or some other form of motive power on wagons, for propelling them. This is remarkable, when it is understood that the steam engine, as constructed by Watt, was not invented until about 1780. Prior to Watt, steam engines were in operation, the valves of which were manually operated. Watt’s energies were directed to making the valves work automatically, and in economizing the use of steam. THE FIRST PATENT.--In 1619, two Englishmen, Ramsey and Wildgoose, secured a patent for “drawing carts without horses,” and even before that time inventors in Germany had made vehicles which were propelled by powerful springs. In the Netherlands devices were constructed to move wagons by means of the wind. NEWTON’S CAR.--In 1700 Sir Isaac Newton invented a steam car, in which he used Hero’s steam engine, and N. J. Cuguet, a Frenchman, invented a steam car which had some remarkable properties. WATT’S INVENTION.--Later Watt invented, and was granted a patent, in 1784, for a steam vehicle, and twelve years thereafter, the first American patent was issued to W. Read, of Massachusetts, for a steam-driven automobile. These were followed by Symington, about the same time, together with Trevithick, in 1802, Evans in 1805, and Griffith in 1821. While numerous others contributed to the art, the foregoing were the pioneers. Evans has the distinction of being the first to build a combined boat and wagon; and Griffith was the originator of the body type which had cabins or apartments for the use of travelers.