Invention Timeline - Erasmus D. Leavitt, American Mechanical Engineer and One of the Founders of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers
b. October 27, 1836 and d. ?
American mechanical engineer and one of the foudners of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers. To him belongs the credit of first studying scientifically the economic duty of pumping engines for supplying cities with water. His Lynn engine was, when designed and put in operation, a remarkable advance on what had previously been accomplished. He did great work for the Calumet and Hecla Mining Company in designing and building its machinery.
Nymphs! you first taught to pierce the secret caves
Of humid earth, and lift her ponderous waves;
Bade with quick stroke the sliding piston bear
The viewless columns of incumbent air-
Press’d by the incumbent air the floods below,
Through opening valves in foaming torrents flow,
Foot after foot with lessen’d impulse move,
And rising seek the vacancy above.
—Botanic Garden: Dr. Darwin
1775, August 27-1847, April 13—Frederic Graff lived. He was employed as assistant engineer in erecting the first waterworks in Philadelphia. On April 1, 1805, he was elected superintendent and engineer of the works. He devised the iron pipe system which is now universally used. Patterns of his fireplugs and stop-cocks were sent to Europe.
1237—Water was first conveyed to London in leaden pipes.
1850-’94—The Thames water was conveyed into London by leaden pipes.
