They also supplied Fulton and Livingston with the next two
engines for the Car of Neptune and the Paragon. From that time
forward, Boulton and Watt devoted themselves to the manufacture
of engines for steamboats. Up to the year 1814, marine engines
had been all applied singly in the vessel; but in this year
Boulton and Watt first applied two condensing engines, connected
by cranks set at right angles on the shaft, to propel a steamer
on the Clyde. Since then, nearly all steamers are fitted with
two engines. In making this important improvement, the firm were
materially aided by the mechanical genius of William Murdock, and
also of Mr. Brown, then an assistant, but afterwards a member of
the firm.
In order to carry on a set of experiments with respect to the
most improved form of marine engine, Boulton and Watt purchased
the Caledonia, a Scotch boat built on the Clyde by James Wood and
Co., of Port Glasgow. The engines and boilers were taken out.
The vessel was fitted with two side lever engines, and many
successive experiments were made with her down to August, 1817,
at an expense of about 10,000L. This led to a settled plan of
construction, by which marine engines were greatly improved.
James Watt, junior, accompanied the Caledonia to Holland and up
the Rhine. The vessel was eventually sold to the Danish
Government, and used for carrying the mails between Kiel and
Copenhagen.
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