The following illustration is from:

Hawkins' "Practical Treatise on the Steam Engine Indicator"

The technical material found below is from the following source:

I realize much of the above is not so much interest for many folks, but for those interested in the steam engineering details, I included the text pages to supplement the graphical illustrations.

For everyone, hopefully the next time you happen to see an old steam engine, or have the opportunity to attend a local Steam and Thresher Show, the graphical illustrations will help give a better understanding of how these machines work.

Back in the 1800's the development and mass production of steam power enabled our civilization to rise past flowing water sources for mills, and oxen for working agricultural fields.  The very same steam boilers were also installed in ships which hailed the changing era from the sailing ships of old, to the modern steam powered vessels.

We all knowabout steam locomotives, too.  Anyone remember Pettycoat Junction?

Like never before in history, mankind left behind thousands of years of technology and leaped forward into the future in a very short span of years, all because of the development of steam power.

Everything to this day still goes back to steam power, from electricity produced in nuclear power plants, as well as gas and coal fired power plants, they all run on steam to spin turbines.

We've come along way, yet still running on basic steam produced from adding some heat to water and producing mechanical work.

It all boils down to water, heat, and a few moving parts.

Link to further information from Wikipedia.


All Graphical Illustrations from "Hawkins' Steam Engine Indicator" and "The Elements of Steam Engineering" are available in High Resolution prints, suitable for framing. Please see the SteamGeek store for further information.