On supporting science journalism
If you're enjoying this article, consider supporting our award-winning journalism by subscribing. By purchasing a subscription you are helping to ensure the future of impactful stories about the discoveries and ideas shaping our world today.
Nathan Smith, of Berwick City, La., has invented a paddle wheel which is intended for stern-wheel boats, and the invention consists in fitting the two hubs carrying the two sets of arms of a paddle wheel to their shaft, and the attachment of the buckets to the arms of the wheel, in such a manner as to permit, at the pleasure of the pilot or other person, either hub and its attached arms to be turned on the shaft by the pressure of the buckets against the water, to enable the buckets to assume oblique positions, to exert a pressure on the water either in a direction laterally to the boat for the purpose of changing the course of the boat in either direction. There are also certain contrivances for the purpose of enabling the hubs to be released from the shaft, so that they may be capable of turning therein to change the position of the buckets, by the pilot or other person. It was patented this week.
It’s Time to Stand Up for Science
If you enjoyed this article, I’d like to ask for your support. Scientific American has served as an advocate for science and industry for 180 years, and right now may be the most critical moment in that two-century history.
I’ve been a Scientific American subscriber since I was 12 years old, and it helped shape the way I look at the world. SciAm always educates and delights me, and inspires a sense of awe for our vast, beautiful universe. I hope it does that for you, too.
If you subscribe to Scientific American, you help ensure that our coverage is centered on meaningful research and discovery; that we have the resources to report on the decisions that threaten labs across the U.S.; and that we support both budding and working scientists at a time when the value of science itself too often goes unrecognized.
In return, you get essential news, captivating podcasts, brilliant infographics, can't-miss newsletters, must-watch videos, challenging games, and the science world's best writing and reporting. You can even gift someone a subscription.
There has never been a more important time for us to stand up and show why science matters. I hope you’ll support us in that mission.
