A New Motive Power?
A tantalizing rumor of a water-powered engine meant to replace steam — attributed to railroad magnate Tom Scott — captures the era's appetite for miracle inventions, most of which, like this one, vanished without trace.
NewsPipe summary
The Cairo Bulletin · July 11, 1873 · Page 2
1 min readWASHINGTON
A 'marvelous story' is said to be current in Washington, about the discovery of a new motive power, which the same is said to be water, and which is to supersede steam on railroads, steam vessels, etc. It is stated that Tom Scott has the new discovery in hand and pronounces it a success. We are with Tom and believe he will make it go. Money makes the mare go, and Tom has money enough to make water or anything else go.
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