Details
RUMSEY, James (1743-1792). A short Treatise on the appplication of Steam, whereby is clearly shewn, from actual experiments, that Steam may be applied to propel Boats or Vessels. Philadelphia: Joseph James, 1788.
8o (218 x 126 mm). 19th-century half leather (some wear). Provenance: David Redick (contemporary signature on title).
FIRST EDITION, second issue, with a few title corrections. The Short treatise initiated a controversy in the late 1780s between James Rumsey and John Fitch over who had priority over their respective steam-powered boats. Fitch was the first to publicize his invention and obtained a 14-year privilege for the manufacture of steam vessels, giving him a virtual monopoly of its production in America. Rumsey's Short treatise was a reply to Fitch's Original steamboat supported, published in 1788, in which Fitch had attacked Rumsey's claim to priority. Evans 21442; Norman 1859.
[With:]
BARNES, Joseph (fl. 1788). Remarks on Mr. John Fitch's reply to Mr. James Rumsey's pamphlet. Philadelphia: Joseph James, 1788.
8o (209 x 125 mm). (Some marginal dampstaining, some minor browning and spotting.) 19th-century half morocco (edges rubbed). FIRST EDITION of Barnes' paper supporting Rumsey's claim to priority in the invention of steam-powered water transport. Evans 20954; Norman 123. (2)
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FIRST EDITION, second issue, with a few title corrections. The Short treatise initiated a controversy in the late 1780s between James Rumsey and John Fitch over who had priority over their respective steam-powered boats. Fitch was the first to publicize his invention and obtained a 14-year privilege for the manufacture of steam vessels, giving him a virtual monopoly of its production in America. Rumsey's Short treatise was a reply to Fitch's Original steamboat supported, published in 1788, in which Fitch had attacked Rumsey's claim to priority. Evans 21442; Norman 1859.
[With:]
BARNES, Joseph (fl. 1788). Remarks on Mr. John Fitch's reply to Mr. James Rumsey's pamphlet. Philadelphia: Joseph James, 1788.
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