Samuel Stevens
of Southampton
1857: 'THE HYDROSTATIC SCREW PROPELLER.
At Southampton on Wednesday a trial of the hydrostatic screw propeller, or steamer driven without a shaft, which is now attracting a large amount of public interest, was made in the Southampton Dock. One advantage sought and obtained by this invention is the dispensing entirely with the long heavy expensive shaft (also the funnel) leading from the machinery to the screw, thereby doing away with all heated bearings which are now a great hinderance and annoyance to engineers, and which prevent them from driving at a high velocity. This invention also dispenses with the present cumbrous, complicated, and expensive engines and gearing, with their cross motion. All that would be required for the largest ship afloat would be one horizontal steam cylinder, placed close to the bottom of the vessel, connected to one pump, also laid on the bottom of the vessel, close to the kelson, working fore and aft the ship without shaft or crank; and by forcing water through the hollow screw propeller, producing a powerful rotary motion, where it is only required, namely in the screw ; which can by this invention be driven continuously 500 or more revolutions per minute, and as the whole is immersed in a constant stream of cold water there is no possible chance of heated bearings. The water surrounding it on all sides it becomes a constant lubricator. Under every circumstance of wind or tide the engines would work at one uniform speed, so that when the vessel is sailing free before the wind, the screw having less work to perform would travel faster without demanding more of the engine (and the faster the motion of the screw the less vibration to the ship.) The power of manoeuvring the propeller from the deck, no matter at what rate the vessel may be sailing is another peculiarity. The man in command can instantly, without the slightest notice to the engineer, or in any way affecting the engines, reverse the motion the screw, which is of immense advantage case of collision, or a ship nearing a shore. The invention would also prevent the possibility of a ship being destroyed by fire, as pipes surrounding the vessel could be charged with water sufficient to extinguish fire to any extent, and which would also act as powerful bilge pumps in case of leakage. The invention and patentee is Mr. Samuel Stevens, builder and contractor, of this town.'[1]. Note: A Mr. Grimshaw was the joint patentee[2]