Some two years ago the author commenced collecting memoranda of
mechanical and practical information pertaining to the care and
operation of steam engines and boilers, with a view of forming a
systematic digest.
Being an employee of the J. I. Case Threshing Machine Co. for a number
of years my attention was called to the constant inquiry for a book of
this description from young men mechanically inclined and those running
farm engines and small steam plants.
By repeated assurance that there was great need for such a work, and
by ready and valuable assistance from personal friends and experts in
mechanical engineering, I have considered it advisable to publish a
practical guide for young engineers.
The aim has been to place the information contained in the book in the
most simple and compact form, and while it is not intended for the
education of the more advanced engineers, the instructions given will
be found practical in the operation of steam plants of any size. It is
more especially intended for the instruction and guidance of young men
learning to run engines, and those operating farm engines and small
plants, whose experience has been limited.
After carefully considering the mode of presentation, it was thought
best to adopt the form of a catechism, with the questions and
answers so set forth as to resemble an ordinary conversation; also
to illustrate and give a minute description of the construction and
function of the different parts used in the building of engines and
boilers.
While the greater part of the information is new, parts have been
compiled from Power, Roper and other mechanical papers and books,
simplified to meet the required aim, for which due acknowledgement is
here given.
J. V. ROHAN.
Racine, Wis., 1895.
Young Engineer’s Guide.