A reprint of the first edition (1810) of Fulton's famous treatise on torpedo warfare, probably the most important early work devoted to this novel naval technology.
Herein Fulton describes his system of submarine explosives which he had demonstrated to Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, and other leaders from the House and Senate, at the home of his friend, Joel Barlow. The plates depict the brig, Dorothea, "as she was blown up on the 15th of Oct. 1805," a submerged torpedo mine, and other illustrations showing how the torpedo is carried aboard a vessel, how a harpoon is used in torpedo explosives, etc. One of the chapters is about "the Imaginary Inhumanity of Torpedo War."
Fulton was a skilled artist, inventor, and civil engineer. A native of Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, he spent twenty years abroad in England developing his talents and inventions. His chief work was in the design of canal systems, so important to commercial activity in 19th-century America, and in the development of steamboats. An important work of American military technology.
This copy is in Excellent condition. As always, the photos are of the book you will receive.