Printed and Manuscript Americana

Philadelphia: Printed by Joseph James, 1788. Second edition, second issue. 8vo. 26 pp. Contemporary stiff paper wrappers, contemporary manuscript title on front wrapper, wear and creasing along edges; all edges untrimmed; book-plate on front inner wrapper, repair at same; contemporary ownership signature on title-page, dampstaining in gutter of same; scattered spotting to text. Evans 21442; Howes R-499; Norman 1859; Rink 2924; Sabin 74128; Streeter Sale 3961

Second edition, second issue of this important early pamphlet on steam navigation by one of the two American steam pioneers.

Rumsey's pamphlet was first published under a slightly different title (A Plan wherein the Power of Steam is Fully Shewn...) in 1788. It was then reprinted with this title, in two different issues: the first with the word "chep" on the title, and the second with the word
correctly spelled, as here. Rumsey states in the Advertisement on the verso of the title-page that this pamphlet is reprinted from "a
pamphlet published in Virginia, to prove the authors prior right of applying steam, to propel boats &c. as well as to establish the principles on which he has done it, a few copies were then thought sufficient for that purpose, but as Mr. Fitch in tends to answer the pamphlet, it is therefore necessary to publish as much of it as respects Mr. Fitch, which is done with no other variation, from the original, than to correct a few of the omissions and mistakes that were introduced into the first publication..."