Page:Reflections on the Motive Power of Heat.djvu/281

Rh the second of ample dimensions, with moderate strength.

Double-cylinder engines, although founded on correct principles, often fail to secure the advantages expected from them. This is due principally to the fact that the dimensions of the different parts of these engines are difficult to adjust, and that they are rarely found to be in correct proportion. Good models for the construction of double-cylinder engines are wanting, while excellent designs exist for the construction of engines on the plan of Watt. From this arises the diversity that we see in the results of the former, and the great uniformity that we have observed in the results of the latter.

.—Among the attempts made to develop the motive power of heat by means of atmospheric air, we should mention those of MM. Niepce, which were made in France several years ago, by means of an apparatus called by the inventors a pyréolophore. The apparatus was made thus: There was a cylinder furnished with a piston, into which the atmospheric air was introduced at ordinary density. A very combustible material, reduced to a condition of extreme tenuity, was thrown into it, remained a moment in suspension in the air, and then flame was applied. The inflammation