Note 265 — Chapter XVI · More Difficulties and more Inventions—Boulton again in Cornwall.

In a letter dated 28th August, 1784, Watt communicated his views to his partner on the subject of locomotive engines at great length. In the course of the letter he says,—

“My original ideas on this subject were prior to my invention of the improved engines, or before the crank or any other rotative motions were thought of. My plan then was to have two inverted cylinders with toothed racks instead of piston rods, which were to be applied to the ratchet wheels on the axletree, and to act alternately; and I am partly of opinion that this method might be applied with advantage yet, because it needs no fly, and has other conveniences.

“From what I have said, and from much more which a little reflection will suggest to you, you will see that without several circumstances turn out more favourable than has been stated, the machine will be clumsy and defective, and that it will cost much time to bring it to any tolerable degree of perfection; and that for me to attempt to interrupt the career of my business to bestow any attention to it, would be imprudent. I even grudge the time I have taken to write these comments on it.”