Great Inventors and Their Inventions

Preface

This book contains twelve stories of great inventions, with a concluding chapter on famous inventors of to-day. Each of the inventions described has added to the comforts and joys of the world. Each of these inventions has brought about new industries in which many men and women have found employment. These stories, therefore, offer an easy approach to an understanding of the origin of certain parts of our civilization, and of the rise of important industries.

The story of each invention is interwoven with that of the life of its inventor. The lives of inventors furnish materials of the highest educative value. These materials are not only interesting, but they convey their own vivid lessons on how big things are brought about, and on the traits of mind and heart which make for success.

It is hoped that this book will set its readers to thinking how the conveniences of life have been obtained, and how progress has been made in the industrial world. While appealing to their interest in inventions and in men who accomplish great things, may it also bring them into contact with ideas which will grip their hearts, fire the imagination, and mold their ideals into worthier forms.

Part I Chapter Page

I James Watt and the Invention of the Steam

Engine 7

II Robert Fulton and the Invention of the

Steamboat 25

III George Stephenson and the Invention of the

Locomotive 50

IV Invention of the Electric Engine and Elec-

tric Locomotive 72

PART II V The Invention of Spinning Machines: The

Jenny, the Water Frame, and the Mule . . 87

VI Eli Whitney and the Invention of the

Cotton Gin 105

VII Elias Howe and the Invention of the Sew-

ing Machine 12 1

VIII Cyrus H. McCormick and the Invention of

' the Reaper 142

IX Henry Bessemer and the Making of Steel.. 161

CONTENTS 5

Part III Chapter Page

X John Gutenberg and the Invention of Printing 187

XI Samuel F. B. Morse and the Invention of

the Telegraph 208

XII Alexander Graham Bell and the Invention

of the Telephone 228

PART IV XIII Other Famous Inventors of To-Day 247

Thomas A. Edison 247

Guglielmo Marconi 261

John P. Holland 265

G