| Description | This bundle contains sketches and descriptions of steam engines designed by various other engineers. It includes the "pirate" engines of Jonathan Hornblower and Edward Bull, and other engineers who Boulton & Watt feared might be infringing their patent, such as William Symington, William Blakey and Joseph Bramah. The latter was a leading witness for the defence in Boulton & Watt’s action against Jabez Hornblower and Stephen Maberly. The contents were probably gathered together in 1796 for evidence in Boulton & Watt’s ongoing legal actions. This was a period of increased engine piracy following the doubts that were cast over the validity of James Watt’s patent during the action against Edward Bull.
The following drawing which is listed on the original list of contents has not been found:
"Murdock’s Expansive Engine."
For further drawings of Jonathan Hornblower and Edward Bull’s engines, see "Drawings of Engine Designs by James Watt, Bull and Hornblower’s Engines, Dutch Windmill etc.", Portfolios MS 3147/5/1339a & b. For a drawing of one of William Symington’s engines, see "Designs by William Murdock, Atmospheric and Other Engines, Drawings for Court Cases, etc.", Portfolio MS 3147/5/1353b. |