The Life of George Stephenson and of his Son Robert Stephenson Comprising Also a History of the Invention and Introduction of the Railway Locomotive

CHAPTER I.

Chapter 153 wordsPublic domain

SCHEMERS AND PROJECTORS.

Man's Desire for rapid Transit.--Origin of the Railway.--Early Coal Wagon-ways in the North of England.--Early Attempts to apply the Power of Wind to drive Carriages.--Sailing-coaches.--Sir Isaac Newton's Proposal to employ Steam-power.--Dr. Darwin's Speculations on the Subject.--Mr. Edgeworth's Speculations.--Dr. Darwin's Prophecy. Pg 47