 | Documentary History of the Construction of the Buildings at the University
of Virginia, 1817-1828 |  |
IT CAN BE OPERATED WITH ONE HALF THE POWER.
The air vessel is totally dispensed with, and the power is applied directly upon the water. It
operates on no more than it discharges. On the other hand, as a consequence of the
alternating motion of the piston Engines, twice the surface is acted upon, and the friction, of
course, is comparatively two-fold. This is not all. The power necessary to overcome the
inertia of the water is both exerted and suspended at every stroke of the piston. But in the
rotative the current flows instantly, continuous, and uninterrupted.
Connected with this part of the subject is a fact of the first importance. The extreme
necessity of prompt and efficient action in case of fire, is beyond controversy. A sufficient
number of men to operate the rotative with effect, may be readily and easily convened,
either in cities or villages, while a delay, waiting the arrival of the number necessary to work
the old engines, might result in a total destruction of property.
| Documentary History of the Construction of the Buildings at the University
of Virginia, 1817-1828 | |