William Symington having erected last summer one of his Patent Steam Engines at the Wanlockhead Mines, the superiority of which being full established it may be proper to announce its advantages :-
The power is equal to twelve pounds upon each square inch of the piston, yet by this increased power the consumption of fuel is not greater than that of the improved Steam Engines present used. In simplicity it approaches the Old Engine, the open cylinder and atmospheric pressure being retained, and Air and hot water pumps, separate condensing vessels, etc. laid aside. It is from the simple manner by which condensation is affected that it derives its greatest advantage.
Hence the inventor is confident that from the simplicity and increased power of his Steam Engine it can be worked at less expense than others, and will be subject to fewer interruptions.
This engine by the inventor's new rotatory motion can be applied with peculiar advantage to the purpose of grinding, sawing, etc.
N.B. At little more than the cost of a new cylinder, Steam Engines on other constructions can be converted into Symington's engine.
Letters addressed to William Symington Engineer, Wanlockhead by Edinburgh, will be punctually attended to.
From a MSS in the Zetland Muniments, North Riding Record Office.
Glasgow Courier. June, 27th 1801.
"I had the pleasure this day of being on board a Steam Boat which was with ease and dispatch navigated from Carronshore to Grangemouth, which in the course of the river is two to three miles. It is intended by the power of Steam to drag vessels up the Canal from the Clyde to Grangemouth, which it appears well fitted to do. Whatever diminishes the number of horses and persons in labour with equal advantage, must always be of importance, and especially at this time when the prioce of provisions is high. The nice and effective manner in which the machinery is applied is additional proof of the merit of Mr Symington, and the whole plan is highly honourable to Lord Dundas, the Patron and Promoter."
A Gentleman in Falkirk. June 24th
Glasgow Courier. January 6th, 1803.
"We are extremely happy to inform the public that on Tuesday, 4th inst. An experiment in tracking vessels by means of a Steam Boat, constructed by Mr Symington, Engineer, and patronised by the Right Honourable the Lord Dundas, was made upon the Forth and Clyde Navigation in a very impressive manner, having on board his Lordship; the Honourable Captain Dundas of the Royal Navy; Mr Speirs of Elderslie; and several other Gentlemen. Between the hours of one and two, the Steam Boat left Hamilton Hill to meet the Active, William Gow Master, one of the largest vessels on the Navigation, burden 100 tons, which it took in tow near Stockingfield and carried with the greatest ease and safety at three miles per hour to the East end of Port Dundas, amid a large concourse of people who were exceedingly well pleased with the performance. The general use of the contrivance will be of great benefit to the Country by greatly improving the mode, and lessening the expense, of tracking vessels upon canals and rivers."
Glasgow Courier. 31st March, 1803.
"It is with great pleasure we have occasion to notice the progress and improvement in the Steam Boat upon the Forth and Clyde Canal. That its power is great, and the savings upon its use would be very considerable, appear from the following account of its operation. Upon Monday the 28th inst., it took in drag two loaded vessels, burden of both not less that 130 tons, and carried them with great ease from Lock Number 20 through the long reach of 18.1/2 miles to Port Dundas in 9 hours and 15 minutes, though it blew most of the day a strong breeze right ahead of them. We understand the expense of fuel for the engine and wages fror the two men to conduct the operation, during the above trip, does not exceed two thirds of that doing the same work by horses. At a time when commerce is rapidly increasing, and trade so much benefits from the great extension of canals which have taken and are daily taking place, it must afford no small gratification to learn that improvements are going forward which greatly tend to lessen the expense of tracking vessels with such contrivances. The method of managing the drag slips when passing sharp turns on the canal (a think entirely new to Mr Symington the engineer) we are informed was suggested by the Honourable Captain Dundas of the Royal Navy, by whose judicious instruction that part of the process, once appearing difficult, is now rendered easy and governable. The very approprate mode in which the machinery is constructed, and the simple yet effective manner in which its power is applied in giving motion to the vessel, point out in an eminent degree Mr Symington's knowledge of mechanics. For the advantage which commerce will undoubtedly derive from the invention, the country is indebted to the Honourable Lord Dundas, by whose scientific knowledge and laudable perseverance in a series of costly experiments we learn, the undertaking has been brought to that state of utility to which it has arrived. quot;