Most of the patents prior to 1836 were lost in the Dec. 1836 fire. Only about 2,000 of the almost 10,000 documents were recovered. Little is known about this patent. This patent is in the database for reference only.

For an improvement in Propelling Boats; Timothy Beach, Wilmington, Clinton county, Ohio, April 2.

We scarcely know how to designate the improvement in propelling to which the foregoing title alludes. We may safely aver, however, that in the multitude of devices which have entered into the heads of schemers, with and without brains, there is not one less feasible than this, excepting it be such as are constructed on the principle of the “upward forces of fluids,” or some other equally allied to perpetual motion.

Tubes of metal are to pass through the water from the forward part to the stern of the boat, there being one on each side, as low down as the keel. These tubes turn upwards at the forward part of the boat, and open into a steam chest, connected with the boiler; into these tubes steam is to be alternately admitted, and cut off, by a sliding valve. When the steam is admitted, it is to drive the water out of the tubes, and propel the boat; when the steam is cut off, the water is to re-enter in readiness to be again ejected, secundem artem. (according to the art : according to the accepted practice of a profession or trade)

The claim is to “the application and construction generally of the above described machine.”

Journal of the Franklin Institute Vol. 6, 1830, pg. 4

(To be filled in.)

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