Transcriber’s Notes Text printed in italics or bold face in the source document have been transcribed between _underscores_ and =equal signs= respectively. Small capitals have been replaced with ALL CAPITALS. Characters between ~tildes~ represent the shape of the character rather than the character itself. More Transcriber’s Notes and a list of changes made to the text may be found at the end of this text. [Illustration: _Plate II._ LONGITUDINAL SECTION OF AMERICAN LOCOMOTIVE. By The Grant Locomotive Works, Paterson, New Jersey. _Scale, ³⁄₈ in. = 1 foot._] [Illustration: _Plate III._ PLAN OF AMERICAN LOCOMOTIVE. By The Grant Locomotive Works, Paterson, New Jersey. _Scale, ³⁄₈ in. = 1 foot._] CATECHISM OF THE LOCOMOTIVE [Illustration: 1886] BY MATTHIAS N. FORNEY, _Mechanical Engineer_. Will be sent by mail, postage prepaid, on receipt of price $2.50. FREDERICK KEPPY, _Scientific Book Publisher_, No. 38 STATE STREET, BRIDGEPORT, CONN. Entered, according to Act of Congress, in the year 1874, by THE RAILROAD GAZETTE, In the office of the Librarian of Congress, at Washington. PREFACE. Books, like individuals, have their histories, and it seems but proper that in introducing them somewhat of their ancestry should be detailed. The present book originated in this wise: the publishers of the RAILROAD GAZETTE procured a copy of the “Katechismus der Einrichtung und des Betriebes der Locomotive,” by Georg Kosak. As no English translation of this excellent little book was known to be in existence, the editors of the above paper determined to translate it and adapt it to the American practice in the construction and management of locomotive steam engines, and republish it in their journal. The translation was therefore made and submitted to the writer for revision and adaptation, according to the original intention. Before the latter was entertained, however, he had commenced writing an elementary treatise on the locomotive. In revising the first part of the translation of Mr. Kosak’s book, it was found that the latter occupied only to a very limited extent the ground which the writer had “staked out” in his own incomplete plan. He therefore concluded to abandon the original intention of “adapting” Mr. Kosak’s work, and determined to rewrite it and make substantially a new book of it. For the “idea,” however, and to some extent its plan, and for much valuable material, the author must acknowledge his indebtedness to Mr. Kosak. In some few cases the language of the translator has been employed, in part or in whole, without quotation marks, but with an acknowledgment in a foot-note. A similar plan has also been pursued in using some other books. This was done to avoid cutting up paragraphs and sentences into fragmentary parts with numerous quotation marks.