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The Century of Inventions of the Marquis of Worcester: from the Original MS., with Historical and Explanatory Notes and a Biographical Memoir — John Shaqi

The Century of Inventions of the Marquis of Worcester: from the Original MS., with Historical and Explanatory Notes and a Biographical MemoirWorcester, Edward Somerset, Marquis of

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The Century of Inventions of the Marquis of Worcester: from the Original MS., with Historical and Explanatory Notes and a Biographical Memoir

Name: The Century of Inventions of the Marquis of Worcester: from the Original MS., with Historical and Explanatory Notes and a Biographical Memoir
Author: Worcester, Edward Somerset, Marquis of

Worcester, Edward Somerset, Marquis of

Industrial arts -- Early works to 1800; Inventions -- Early works to 1800

A _Panemore_, or globular wind-mill, erected in the centre of
     a ship, has been proposed for the turning of two wheels or
     paddles, placed on the bows, which would thus impel the vessel
     forward in any required direction. The panemore, which was
     invented by M. Desquinemare, consists of a kind of globe placed
     on the top of a mast, on which it always turns round with the
     wind. In consequence of the ingenious adjustment of the curves
     which it presents in all its points, the rotary motion is always
     in the same direction, be that of the wind as it may; and their
     utmost violence, instead of being detrimental to its action,
     only augments its power. The means of the instrument increasing
     in a cubical ratio when the wind doubles its velocity; and by
     doubling the surface its power is increased eight-fold.


No. XVI.

How to make a sea-castle, or fortification, cannon-proof, capable
of a thousand men, yet sailable at pleasure to defend a passage,
or, in an hour's time, to divide itself into three ships, as fit and
trimmed to sail as before; and even whilst it is a fort or castle,
they shall be unanimously steered, and effectually be driven by an
indifferent strong wind.


NOTE.

     Scheffer, in his treatise entitled _De Militiâ Navali_,
     describes a vessel of a somewhat similar construction: it
     was composed of four floating tanks, or parts of vessels,
     which could at pleasure be joined together by means of bolts.
     Bomb-proof batteries of prodigious force were used by the
     Spaniards in their attack on Gibraltar, in 1782. Their upper
     decks were at an angle of about forty-five degrees, and
     composed of successive layers of oak-planking and raw hides.
     These offered an irresistible barrier to the shot and shells
     commonly used, till General Elliot decided on the application
     of red-hot balls, which, by burning a passage through the outer
     layers, quickly communicated to that part of the hold used as a
     depository for powder, &c., and the consequence was, the entire
     destruction of this immense flotilla.


No. XVII.

How to make upon the Thames a floating garden of pleasure, with
trees, flowers, banqueting-houses, and fountains, stews for all
kind of fishes, a reserve for snow to keep wine in, delicate bathing
places, and the like; with music made by mills; and all in the midst
of the stream, where it is most rapid.


NOTE.

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The Century of Inventions of the Marquis of Worcester: from the Original MS., with Historical and Explanatory Notes and a Biographical Memoir

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