James Nasmyth – författare

Originally published in 1931, this book formed part of The Craftsman Series, which aimed to give secondary school age children an insight into 'the development of constructive activities in the sphere of material things'. James Nasmyth (1808-90) was a Scottish engineer who made an integral contribution to the industrial revolution through the invention of the steam hammer. The text is comprised of extracts from the complete version of The Autobiography of James Nasmyth (1883). These extracts offer an engaging account of Nasmyth's life and work, beginning with his early experiences and moving through his major achievements as an engineer. An editorial preface, glossary and illustrative figures are also included. This is a highly readable book that will be of value to anyone with an interest in Nasmyth, mechanical engineering and books for schools.

This autobiography was first published in 1883, and recounts the life of the Scottish scientist and inventor James Nasmyth (1808-1890), who was arguably the last of the early pioneers of the machine tool industry, most famously remembered for his invention of the steam hammer. He also produced and manufactured several other important machine tools, including a hydraulic press which used water pressure to force tight-fitting machine parts together. All of these machines became popular in manufacturing, and all are still in use today in modified forms. Nasmyth retired from business in 1856 at the age of just 48, and pursued his various hobbies including astronomy; he was co-author of The Moon: Considered as a Planet, a World, and a Satellite (1874) with James Carpenter. This autobiography follows a chronological order, and a list of Nasmyth's inventions is given at the end of the book.

The movement of the moon in space had been well documented by the second half of the nineteenth century. In this monograph, which first appeared in 1874, James Nasmyth (1808-90) and James Carpenter (1840-99) pay closer attention to the lunar surface, notably illustrating their work with photographs of accurate plaster models. At this time, many questions about the moon's properties were still open. Could the moon support life? Did it have an atmosphere? How had its craters been formed? Marshalling the latest available evidence, Nasmyth and Carpenter provide their answers in a text accompanied by explanatory diagrams. Also included are theories on planetary formation, a discussion of lunar volcanism, and a vivid imagining of a day on the moon's surface, describing everything from low lunar gravity to the sudden, monthly sunrise. The work remains an instructive resource, reflecting the state of contemporary astronomical knowledge.

"James Nasmyth, Engineer: An Autobiography" by James Nasmyth offers a fascinating glimpse into the life and achievements of one of the most innovative minds of the Industrial Revolution. In this autobiographical work, Nasmyth, a pioneering figure in engineering, recounts his remarkable journey as an inventor, industrialist, and entrepreneur during the Victorian era. Through his narrative, readers gain insight into the transformative impact of Nasmyth's inventions and innovations on the landscape of industrial engineering. From his groundbreaking developments in steam engines to the invention of the steam hammer, Nasmyth's autobiography provides a firsthand account of his contributions to metalworking and machinery. As an industrialist, Nasmyth's entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to excellence shine through, illustrating the resilience and ingenuity required to thrive in the dynamic landscape of the Industrial Revolution. Nasmyth's autobiography serves not only as a testament to his personal achievements but also as a window into the broader historical context of the Victorian era. It encapsulates the spirit of innovation and progress that defined the era, making it an invaluable resource for readers interested in the intersection of engineering, entrepreneurship, and the Industrial Revolution.