Chapter 590: The Architect of French Steam Engine Technology
For mechanical equipment, widespread use is essential to expose all problems, allow for improvements, and ultimately develop into a mature product.
However, high-power high-pressure steam engines currently have a very narrow range of applications. Pumping water and hoisting ore don't require such immense power, and paddlewheel transport ships haven't been developed yet. As for trains... 50 horsepower is far from enough; it needs to be boosted several times over, reaching 200-300 horsepower, before the first generation of practical trains can even begin development.
This meant the iteration speed for the LJ52 couldn't be too rapid.
Joseph knew there was no rushing it, so he simply nodded.
"Two years, that's barely keeping up, I suppose. The future of the steam engine rests on your shoulders; don't hesitate to tell me if you need anything at all."
Noticing that the Crown Prince seemed less than satisfied with the development speed, Sandal hesitated before speaking.
"Your Royal Highness, if you could transfer a particular individual to the United Steam Engine Company, I believe we could meet your requirements within a year."
"Oh?" Joseph's eyes lit up. "Who are you referring to?" he promptly asked.
"Richard Trevithick. A young British technician."
"I know he's currently in Paris, having applied to the Talent Committee. However, the committee only granted him the opportunity for 'further review.'"
Further review meant the evaluators felt he was still slightly short of the high-tier talent standard and planned to observe him further. If, after that, the applicant could publish a significant paper in *The Journal of Natural Sciences* or produce some invention, an invitation would most likely follow.
Trevithick? Joseph's eyes narrowed slightly. 'That name sounds familiar...'
Sandal continued, "Though he's only in his twenties, his theoretical foundation is very solid, and he holds a unique patent for a High-Pressure Steam Engine.
"Oh, and Your Royal Highness, I heard that earlier this year, he even built a vehicle powered by his own steam engine design, though it only managed to travel 200 meters before breaking down...'"
Joseph's eyes widened instantly when he heard "vehicle powered by a steam engine." 'Trevithick, could he be *the* genius who designed the world's first Train?!'
Later generations widely knew George Stephenson as the Father of Railways, but in reality, Trevithick had built the world's first passenger-carrying train eight years before him.
However, Trevithick's train performed poorly, even damaging the tracks, leading to widespread ridicule.
As a wealthy second-generation scion, he couldn't stomach such humiliation. He simply declared, "Although it has immense potential, it will ultimately be buried, and this leaves me with no courage to conduct any further experiments," before abandoning further research.
Stephenson, on the other hand, came from a humble background and possessed far more patience and tenacity. He ultimately persevered through pressure to develop a truly practical train.
'To think this Trevithick has also made his way to Paris!'
'It seems my talent recruitment program truly hit the mark!'
In fact, in this era, nobles and great landowners were the most respected. Those engaged in technology were largely unappreciated, often having to fund their own experiments and inventions, and their status was even lower than that of merchants.
Thus, France's Talent Committee, which offered resources for peaceful technological research and generous benefits, held immense appeal for scientific and technical talents.
Joseph exclaimed excitedly, "Can you find him? France has a great need for such talent!"
He thought, 'At least the Talent Committee didn't turn him away this time. It seems I'll have to keep a close eye on the review list in the future. Still, it's not the committee's fault; they're not clairvoyant. It's only natural for a young man like Trevithick, who hasn't achieved significant breakthroughs yet, not to be approved immediately.'
Sandal nodded. "Actually, he sought me out before. I believe the Talent Committee should have his address on file."
Joseph immediately turned to Eman. "Please write a letter to the Talent Committee in my name, instructing them to ensure Mr. Trevithick remains with us."
"Yes, Your Royal Highness."
'This is a man who once outshone the Father of Railways, possessing considerable expertise in High-Pressure Steam Engines. After all, he could engineer his own High-Pressure Steam Engine in his twenties.'
'And once the steam engine project is complete, I'll give him a laboratory and let him start developing trains.'
'With my personal involvement this time, no one would dare mock him again. If his sensitive nature isn't wounded, he might truly manage to develop the train!'
Joseph then asked Sandal with renewed interest, "By the way, why did Trevithick come to see you?"
"He came to show me his new High-Pressure Steam Engine," Sandal replied. "He hopes we can invest in its production."
Joseph seemed surprised. "Why isn't he producing it himself? He should be able to afford the capital, shouldn't he?"
Murdoch, standing nearby, saw he couldn't block the competitor and gave up resisting. He explained, "We have our dear Mr. Watt to thank for this; with his patents, he's stifled all High-Pressure Steam Engine technology. So Trevithick can only legally produce his invention by leaving Britain."
Upon hearing this, Joseph almost burst out laughing.
'I absolutely must send a banner of commendation to Watt. This man, through his own efforts, successfully pushed talents like Murdoch, Sandal, and Trevithick right into my lap. When it comes to contributions to French steam engine technology, no one can surpass him!'
In history, it wasn't until the early 19th century, after Watt's patents had expired, that Britain's High-Pressure Steam Engine technology truly began its hesitant steps. By then, however, the British technological advantage was immense; they had waited for the rest of the world for over a decade and still remained far ahead, ultimately being the first to usher in the age of the train.
But now, things were different.
France might very well be the first to master train technology and lead the Industrial Revolution!
Not long after the steam engine successfully completed its tests on the *Indomitable*, significant breakthroughs were made in the design of the new Frigates.
In the hull laboratory.
Designer Sané gestured for his assistant to spread the blueprints on the floor. He first bowed to Joseph, then began his introduction to the Marquis de Castries and other high-ranking naval officials.
"Esteemed generals, this is the high-speed steam warship, the *Light of the Mediterranean*, designed overall by His Royal Highness the Crown Prince."
Joseph couldn't help but feel a little embarrassed. In truth, he had merely described the layout of the steam engine, coal bunkers, and paddle rudders to Sané, based on models he'd played with in his past life. He hadn't participated in the specific design at all, yet it had somehow become his own creation.
From Sané's perspective, however, saying it was designed by His Royal Highness the Crown Prince was perfectly accurate. After all, integrating a steam engine onto a ship was an entirely new field for him. If he had to slowly explore layouts and conduct repeated tests on his own, it would likely take at least two or three years to find the optimal solution.
Yet the Crown Prince had directly told him how to design it, and from the results, His Royal Highness's design was exceedingly brilliant!
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