Abstract
THE earliest practical gas engine appears to be unknown to the leading writers on internal combustion engines. I think that it may be a matter of interest to those who are antiquarians in their subject—as Maxwell used to say—to know that a working gas engine was shown in Cambridge in the year 1820. It was the invention of the Rev. W. Cecil, fellow of Magdalen College, Cambridge. A full account of his engine is given in vol. i., p. 217, of the Proceedings of the Philosophical Society of Cambridge (paper read November 27, 1820). The paper is long, and contains excellent matter; a new form of parallel motion is described, and what the author calls “ardent spirit” and turpentine, and vapour of oil, are suggested as possible substitutes for the gas employed by the inventor of the engine.
Similar content being viewed by others
Article PDF
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
JERVIS-SMITH, F. Cecil's Gas Engine. Nature 70, 553 (1904). https://doi.org/10.1038/070553b0
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/070553b0
Comments
By submitting a comment you agree to abide by our Terms and Community Guidelines. If you find something abusive or that does not comply with our terms or guidelines please flag it as inappropriate.