CHAPTER VIII.

_STEAM NAVIGATION. THE ‘GREAT WESTERN’ STEAM-SHIP._

A D. 1835--1847. ÆTATIS 30--42.

Introduction to the Chapters on Steam Navigation--Formation of the Great Western Steam-Ship Company--Commencement of the Building of the ‘Great Western’--_Report on Selection of the Builders of the Engines_ (June 18, 1836)--Statements of Dr. Lardner on the probable Failure of a line of Steam-ships between England and America--Voyage of the ‘Great Western’ to London--Completion of the Engines--Her return to Bristol--Fire on Board, and Accident to Mr. Brunel--Voyage to New York--Comparison between the Performances of the ‘Great Western’ and the ‘Sirius’--Subsequent History of the ‘Great Western’--_Note_: Dimensions of the Ship and Engines.....231