Chapter 269: In the 18th Century, Talent is Everything!
"You've done an excellent job," Joseph said to Murdoch, showering him with praise. "Your efficient work has brought much-needed irrigation water to hundreds of parishes, kept numerous mills running even during last winter's freezing conditions, and ensured they remained operational despite the rivers being frozen. You and the United Steam Engine Company are now praised by all of France, including myself. In fact, I hold you in even higher regard than anyone else."
While Joseph's words were a bit exaggerated, Murdoch certainly deserved such praise. In less than six months, he had helped the United Steam Engine Company establish a complete production line for steam engines. The LJ15 model, a 15-horsepower steam engine, was now highly reliable, with a failure rate very close to Watt's equivalent model. Under Joseph's direction, Murdoch had also succeeded in making the LJ15 more compact, so it could be transported by a single mule cart. In this respect, he had even surpassed Watt.
Indeed, Murdoch had not been boasting when he claimed to be one of the world's top engineers. Murdoch, blushing with pride, immediately bowed and said, "It is an immense honor to have your approval. Please believe me, I will take the United Steam Engine Company to even greater heights!"
He paused, then raised his voice, "And we will surpass the glory of the Boulton & Watt Company!"
Joseph couldn't help but chuckle at that. Just how deep was Murdoch's grudge against Watt? He suddenly had a mischievous thought: if he hung a life-sized portrait of Watt with a stern expression in Murdoch's office, would that boost Murdoch's work efficiency even further?
Sandel, standing nearby, chimed in, "Your Highness, we're already on the path to surpassing them." He exchanged a glance with Murdoch. "Two months ago, we completed testing on the prototype of our latest high-pressure steam engine, the LJ26H. It ran continuously for over 60 hours, delivering 26 horsepower!"
"That's fantastic!" Joseph was delighted, even though he had already heard some reports about this development. High-pressure steam engines represented the future—they were the key to significantly improving thermal efficiency. And greater thermal efficiency meant using less coal to achieve more!
Due to Watt's conservative and stubborn nature, he had long resisted the idea of high-pressure steam engines. As a result, France had now taken the lead over Britain in this area.
Murdoch added, "Your Highness, we have nearly completed preparations for mass production of the LJ26H. We expect to begin production and sales by early next month."
As they spoke, the rail cart arrived at the main entrance of the United Steam Engine Company. Joseph, eager to see the latest high-pressure steam engine, decided to disembark there.
The company was a hive of activity, with craftsmen constantly bringing materials into the workshops. The sound of metal being struck echoed everywhere—a symphony of the steam age, rugged and powerful. Workers only cast a curious glance at the well-dressed visitors before returning to their tasks under the supervision of foremen. Most of them had been hired in the past six months and had never seen the Crown Prince before.
Murdoch led Joseph to the company's "Second Assembly Yard" on the east side, where a steam engine, taller than a man, was being assembled. It was noticeably larger than the LJ15, and several craftsmen were working around it.
Knowing the Crown Prince was coming, Murdoch had ordered the boiler to be fired up. Now, after checking the pressure gauge and speaking briefly with the craftsmen, he began operating the engine himself.
Ten minutes later, the LJ26H emitted a puff of white steam, and its piston began to move slowly. A massive iron wheel, serving as the load, started to turn, and as more coal was added to the furnace, the wheel spun faster and faster.
Watching the smoothly running machine, Murdoch proudly turned to Joseph and said, "Your Highness, now that we have reliable high-pressure steam technology, John and I plan to scale it up and build a 'monster' engine with over 50 horsepower!"
Once the high-pressure steam engine technology was mature, scaling it up wasn't too difficult—the main challenges would be casting and pressure testing for the boiler and cylinder, as well as redesigning valves and other components.
Joseph was immediately intrigued. If steam engines could reach 100 horsepower, installing three or four of them together would be enough to power warships of this era! Even with slightly lower power, reaching around 70 horsepower, they could serve as engines for paddle steamers on rivers—a transport revolution!
Paddle steamers might not boost productivity as dramatically as railways, but in the river-dense regions of Western Europe, the impact would still be significant. If connected to the Rhine River, it would enable the low-cost transport of French goods to the German states, generating immense profits for France!
However, after careful consideration, Joseph decided to temporarily set aside the idea of large high-pressure steam engines. Murdoch had other important tasks—while gas lamps might not be as impactful as paddle steamers, they were simpler and would yield faster results.
Joseph couldn't help but sigh. If only he had more talents like Murdoch! Unfortunately, he had only managed to find one.
He raised his hand to stop Murdoch's excitement. "Actually, I have a very important task that I need you to start on immediately."
"Ah? Of course, Your Highness, just tell me what you need."
Joseph gestured for him to step into a nearby office, where they could shut out the noise of the steam engine. Then he said, "I plan to install gas lamps on all the streets of Paris. You mentioned this before—using coal to produce a combustible gas. We can use it to light the street lamps."
Murdoch, though more interested in building large steam engines, couldn't help but be intrigued by the idea of lighting all of Paris's streets.
"But, Your Highness, while I do have the technology to distill gas from coal—and I've even patented it in Paris—I don't have a suitable lamp to use it with yet."
"That's where your talent comes in," Joseph said with a smile. "I believe this won't be too difficult for you."
He thought to himself that with the right motivation, Murdoch could certainly complete his invention a few years ahead of schedule. A sufficient reward should do the trick.
"I do have some ideas..." Murdoch began, rubbing his hands together. After thinking for a moment, he looked up and said, "Alright, Your Highness, I'll make sure to create it as quickly as possible!"
Joseph nodded in satisfaction. "I plan to establish a gas lighting company, and we can either purchase your patent or you could join as a shareholder. Oh, and the company's initial investment will be around 3 million livres."
(End of Chapter)
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