Wilson's New Propeller

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Figure 1 is a side elevation representing the new principle1 of propulsion, and figure 2 is a perspective view of the propeller. The inventor is James Spottswood Wilson, of San Francisco, California, who has taken measures to secure a patent. The invention is based on two principles; first, that the force of water increases in an equal ratio with an increase of depth; the second is, that weight, on the side of the ship, B ; C is the crank of the propeller shaft, D ; E is the propeller; acting on an inclined plane, promotes locomotion. The propeller is constructed of any of the known forms that will allow of total immersion as represented in figure 1, the propeller being submerged below the water line, H. It is placed at the ships' side at an sngie that may vary from perpendicular to 45 from the horizon, as represented. A is a guard secured its lower journal runs in a bearing box in the brace, F; Cf and F' are also braces. The ciank is attached to the end of a connecting rod of the piston rod, the cylinder, beingplaced athwart the ship. The same arrangement is attached to the other side of the vessel. The propeller is moved by the direct action of the engine. This description will enable any one to understand the arrangement an'd operation ofthis propeller. The object of placing the propeller in this" position is to obtain an application of force to produce the greatest speed in the most simple manner. These wing wheels will be about 10 feet in diameter, the depth at which they will act to the best advantage is 3 feet. Mr. Wilson advances some very excellent arguments for the superiority ofthis method of propulsion.

Scientific American Magazine Vol 8 Issue 5This article was published with the title “Wilson's New Propeller” in Scientific American Magazine Vol. 8 No. 5 (), p. 36
doi:10.1038/scientificamerican10161852-36e

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