While upon the subject of cheap engines, it occurs to us to call public attention to perhaps the most important improvement or modification of the steam engine made since the days of Watt. We refer to Reed's Patent Chronometer Engine, for which letters patent were granted to John A. Reed, of the firm of Tousley & Reed, New York, on January 9, 1855, and to which the First Prize Medal was awarded by the International Jury of the Exhibition at Paris, where it is said to have attracted the attention and commendation of the most eminent European engineers. The great merit of Mr. Reed's invention consists in its extreme simplicity, by which all the essentially unnecessary parts—as the eccentrics, cross-heads, slides, links, rock-shafts, or connecting-rods—are dispensed with, thereby reducing the weight of the engine one-half, effecting an equal economy in fuel and oil, and at the same time rendering the machine more durable and easily managed. These important objects are attained by arranging and placing the valves and the steam ports of the engine on each side of the cylinder, to let the steam in on both sides of the cylinder at the same time and at opposite points, so as to balance the pressure and prevent the severe friction caused by letting in the steam on one side only; also making the trunnion bearings of the engine adjustable by set screws, so that the trunnions may be accurately adjusted to their seats. In a Paris newspaper of Nov. 3, 1855, we find the following paragraph relating to Mr. Reed's improvement. "The ablest engineers of Europe are convinced that this engine will supersede all others, and that it is peculiarly well-adapted for locomotives. One of the richest men in France, known for his patriotic endeavors to secure to his country all important improvements, has extended to Mr. Reed his patronage. He purchased all the machines exhibited by Mr. Reed at the Annexe, and encouraged, in an open manner, their introduction into general use." Manufacturing jewelers, and all others needing a cheap, economical, and easily-managed engine, will do well to address, for further information, Tousley & Reed, 95 Maiden Lane, New York

Information Sources

• Leading Pursuits and Leading Men Edward Young 1856 pg 293-294
• Steam Power on the American Farm by Reynold M. Wik, 1953 page 253