Remarkable feat of an Engine Man

Join Our Community of Science Lovers!


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.


The following occurrence lately took place on the French Northern Railroad. It is an example of the advantage that sometimes arises from meeting opposition with a bold front: The passengers upon the Northern Railroad narrowly escaped destruction some days ago. A large cart, laden down by the weight of an enormous block of stone, had become fastened in among the rails, and 1;he efforts of the three horses to disengage it were perfectly unavailing. The whistle ot the express train was heard in the distance. The wagoner, determined to save his horses at least, cut the reins and the harness and made off. The engineer saw the obstacle, reversed the steam and gave the signal for the brakes. But the engine, which was a Crampton, refused to obey, and the machinist saw the utter impossibility of stopping it in time,o he put on the steam again, and drove the train with full force upon the terrible obstacle. The wagon was shivered to atoms, and the stone sent flying in splinters for rods in all directions. The train was not thrown off the track, and the passengers were unaware of any shock. Thsy did not hear of the danger they had run till they stopped at the next station. The engine was battered, but its vitality was not decreased. The engineer, whose coolness and decision saved the passengers, is a Pole, and will be bhe object of some tribute of gratitude from the company.

Scientific American Magazine Vol 8 Issue 8This article was published with the title “Remarkable feat of an Engine Man” in Scientific American Magazine Vol. 8 No. 8 (), p. 59
doi:10.1038/scientificamerican11061852-59c

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.

Thank you,

David M. Ewalt, Editor in Chief, Scientific American

Subscribe