It is stated in “Frier Bacon’s discovery of the Miracles of Art, &c.” published in 12mo. 1659, that--“It is possible to make engines to sail withal, as that either fresh or salt water vessels may be guided by the help of one man, and made sail with a greater swiftness, than others will which are full of men to help them.” Chap. iv. p. 17. In “Humane Industry,” 1661, chap. 10, p. 154, it is noticed--“The ancients had a way to drive their ships without oar or sail, so that they could never be wind bound.” And at page 155, it is observed that--“Scaliger doth aver, that he could make a ship that could steer herself.” Thomas Togood and James Heyes, in 1662, patented their invention for the making of ships to sail without the assistance of wind or tide. 16. How to make a Sea-castle or Fortification Cannon-proof, and[4] capable of a thousand men, yet sailable at pleasure to defend a passage, or in an hours time to divide it self into three Ships as fit and trimm’d to sail as before: And even whilest it is a Fort or Castle they shall be unanimously steered, and effectually be driven by an indifferent strong wind. Footnote [4] and--omitted. P. [_A Sea-sailing Fort._] Vitruvius, Vegetius, and many ancient writers supply a variety of schemes to direct an inventor’s ingenuity. The idea of such a construction, to divide into three or more sailing vessels is likewise suggested, in many early designs, although no doubt very different in some details. But the peculiarity hitherto unnoticed, of the present invention, consists in the propelling and steering by means of an artificial current of air. It is very clear that the Marquis had discovered some pneumatic mode of propulsion. There is no inconsistency in the idea of the same means being adapted for both steering and propelling alternately. Even within the last few years extensive experiments have been made, in which air-pumps were used to compress the air beneath an inclined plane under the stern, which in flowing upwards gave motion to the vessel. 17. How to make upon the _Thames_ a floting Garden of pleasure, with Trees, Flowers, Banquetting-Houses, and Fountains, Stews for all kind of fishes, a reserve for Snow to keep Wine in, delicate Bathing-places, and the like; with musick made with[5] Mills: and all in the middest of the stream, where it is most rapid. Footnote [5] by--for with. MS. and P.