First Edition. 8vo. 27 leaves: [ ]
4, B-D
4, E
1, A-B
4, C
2; the second alphabet is for a reprint of Rumsey’s pamphlet with separate pagination and caption title:
A Plan wherein the power of steam is fully shewn, by a new constructed machine, for propelling boats or vessels, or any burthen,
against the most rapid streams or rivers, with great velocity. Also, a machine, constructed on similar philosophical principles,
by which water may be raised for grist or saw-mills, watering of meadows, &c. &c. By James Rumsey, of Berkeley County, Virginia.
A second issue of Fitch’s tract in the same year was without the reprint of Rumsey’s pamphlet, which had been issued without
title-page, probably in Winchester. Jefferson may have had the separate issue of both the tracts, or the combined issue as
above.
In a letter to Jefferson written from Dover on June 6[,] 1789, Rumsey mentioned the dispute between Mr. Fitch and himself, and the effect
it had had on the granting of patents.
On October 14, 1789, Jefferson wrote to Rumsey from Cowes on his way to the United States: “
. . . I am sincerely sorry not to have known the result of your experiment for steam navigation before my departure . . .
as I feel infinitely interested in it’s success, would you be so good, my dear Sir, as to drop me a line on the subject as
soon as the experiment shall be made . . .
”
John Fitch, 1743-1798, inventor and metal craftsman, began experimenting with a steam boat in 1785. The rival claims of Fitch and Rumsey
for the invention of the steamboat resulted in the publication of several pamphlets.
[1218]
Prospectus de la fourniture des eaux de la Seine par les machines à feu.
iii. ARNAL,
Etienne,
dit
Scipion d’, abbé.
Prospectus de la navigation générale des rivières du royaume par le moyen de la machine à feu. Inventé par M. l’abbé d’Arnal, chanoine de la cathédrale d’Alais . . .
Paris: imprimé de
L. Jorry,
1781.
4to.
In a letter to Thomas Paine, dated from Paris on December 23, 1788, Jefferson wrote of D’Arnal’s project: “
. . . there is an Abbé Arnal at Nimes who has obtained an exclusive privilege for navigating the rivers of this country by
the aid of the steam-engine. this interests m
(
~
r)
Rumsay who had hoped the same thing. D’Arnal’s privilege was published in a paper of the 10
th of November. probably therefore his application for it was previous to the delivery of m
(
~
r)
Rumsay’s papers to the Secretary of the academy of sciences, which was in the latter part of the month of August. however,
D’Arnal is not a formidable competitor. he is not in circumstances to make any use himself of his privilege, and he has so
illy succeeded with a steam-mill he erected at Nimes, that he is not likely to engage others to venture in his projects .
. .
”
In 1787 Jefferson was in correspondence on scientific matters with the Abbé d’Arnal.
[1219]
Rapport des Commissaires sur la qualité de l’eau
de la Seine.
iv.
Rapport des Commissaires sur la qualité de l’eau de la Seine. [
Paris,
1781.]
8vo.
[1220]