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THBContract for Fulton Steamboat Between Robert Fulton and Robert Livingston
About Seller
6270 Este Ave.
Cincinnati , OH 45232
United States
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About Auction
LiveSep 8, 2017 - Sep 9, 2017
Cowan's Auctions dawnie@cowans.com
View Full Catalog (427)
- Lot Description
Manuscript copy, 4pp, 8 x 10 in., outlining the contract between inventor Robert Fulton and investor Robert Livingston for Fulton's steamboat.
Robert Fulton (1765-1815) was an American inventor and engineer who designed various forms of water transport. Fulton felt he created a more economical and cost-effective prototype for the steamboat. Believing in his vision, even though the 1801 prototype engine failed, politician Robert Livingston (1746-1813) was encouraged enough to enter into a partnership with the inventor and obtained a 20-year monopoly of steamboat navigation in the state of New York. A small portion of the manuscript copy of their 1802 contract reads:
Whereas the said Livngston and Fulton have for several years past, separately tried various mechanical combinations for the purpose of propelling boats and vessels by the power of steam engines, and conceiving that their experiments have demonstrated the possibility of success, they hereby attempt to carry their invention into useful operation, and for that purpose enter into a partnership upon the following conditions'.First that a passage boat moved by the power of a steam engine shall be constructed'which boat shall not exceed 120 feet in length, 8 feet in width, nor draw more than 15 inches water'.
The remainder of the document goes into detail concerning their plans for the vessel and other legal aspects of their partnership.
By 1807, modifications to the steamboat were a success and smashed previous times recorded by other steamships. The innovation revolutionized water travel and became the dominant engine model for steamships for many years. In addition to his improvements on the steamboat, Fulton also invented the first submarine and a system of inland waterways.
Condition
Light toning of the paper, some folds, pencil markings towards the top margin of the paper.
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