The Crown Prince of France - Chapter 269

Chapter 269: In the 18th Century, Talent Was Paramount!

"You've done an excellent job," Joseph said to William Murdoch, sparing no words of praise. "Your highly effective work has brought much-needed irrigation to hundreds of parishes, powered numerous mills, and ensured their operation even during last winter's freezing conditions when rivers were covered with ice.

"You and the United Steam Engine Company have been widely lauded by all French citizens, myself included. In fact, my admiration for you exceeds that of anyone else."

Though slightly exaggerated, Murdoch truly deserved such acclaim.

In just half a year, he had helped the United Steam Engine Company complete a full production line for steam engines. The LJ15 model, a 15-horsepower steam engine, had become exceptionally reliable, with its failure rate approaching that of James Watt's counterparts.

Moreover, at Joseph's request, Murdoch had further compacted the LJ15. Excluding accessories like water tanks, it could now be transported with ease using a single donkey cart—a feat that even Watt had not achieved.

Indeed, Murdoch's earlier claim of being a world-class engineer was no idle boast.

Murdoch's face lit up with pride as he placed a hand on his chest and bowed. "It is an unparalleled honor to have your approval. Please rest assured, I will elevate the United Steam Engine Company to unprecedented heights!"

He paused for a moment, raising his voice: "We shall surpass the glory of the Boulton & Watt Company!"

Joseph felt an urge to laugh. How deep must this engineer’s grudge against Watt run?

A mischievous thought crossed his mind—if he were to hang a life-sized portrait of Watt's stern visage in Murdoch's office, would it inspire even greater productivity?

Standing nearby, John Sandler interjected, "Your Highness, we are already on the path to surpassing them."

Exchanging a glance with Murdoch, he continued, "Our prototype for the latest high-pressure steam engine, the LJ26H, was completed two months ago. It has successfully operated for over 60 hours continuously, delivering a power output of 26 horsepower!"

"Marvelous!" Though Joseph had already heard reports about this, he still felt overjoyed. High-pressure steam engines represented the future, capable of significantly improving thermal efficiency.

Higher thermal efficiency meant consuming less coal while accomplishing more tasks.

Due to Watt's conservatism and resistance to high-pressure steam engines, Britain had fallen behind France in this domain.

Murdoch added, "Your Highness, we are now nearly ready for mass production of the LJ26H. Manufacturing and sales could commence early next month."

As they spoke, their rail cart arrived at the main entrance of the United Steam Engine Company.

Joseph decided to alight there to inspect the latest high-pressure steam engine.

The company was bustling with activity. Craftsmen carried materials into workshops while the constant clanging of metal reverberated through the air. In this era, machines were still largely handcrafted.

However, piercing noises from drilling and milling machines mingled with the workers' shouts, composing a bold and spirited symphony of the steam age.

The workers cast only a curious glance at the elegantly dressed visitors before resuming their tasks under the foremen's prodding.

Most of them had been recruited within the past six months and had not seen the Crown Prince in person.

Murdoch led Joseph to the "Second Assembly Area" on the eastern side of the company grounds. There, a steam engine taller than a person—significantly larger than the LJ15—was surrounded by busy craftsmen.

Having been informed of the Crown Prince's visit, Murdoch had already instructed his team to fire up the boiler. After checking the pressure gauge and consulting with a nearby craftsman, he personally took the controls.

Within ten minutes, the LJ26H released a plume of white steam, and its pistons began to move slowly.

The massive iron wheel used as a load started to rotate. As coal was continuously shoveled into the furnace, the wheel's speed increased steadily.

Murdoch, watching the smoothly operating machine, turned proudly to Joseph. "Your Highness, with reliable high-pressure steam engine technology in hand, John and I plan to scale up production and build a 'monster' exceeding 50 horsepower!"

Scaling up the high-pressure steam engine was no insurmountable challenge once the technology was mature. The main difficulties lay in casting the boiler and cylinders, pressure testing, and redesigning components like valves.

Joseph was immediately intrigued.

If a steam engine could reach an output of 100 horsepower, equipping three or four such engines would suffice to power a warship of this era!

Even without such immense power, advancing slightly to around 70 horsepower would provide the propulsion needed for paddle steamers suitable for river navigation.

This could usher in a transportation revolution!

While paddle steamers might not match the transformative impact of railroads on productivity, they held significant potential in Western Europe's dense river networks.

Connecting them with the Rhine River would allow French goods to be transported to German markets at exceptionally low costs, generating enormous profits for France.

However, after weighing his options carefully, Joseph decided to temporarily postpone the large-scale high-pressure steam engine project.

Murdoch had other critical tasks to tackle. While gas lamps might lack the grandeur of paddle steamers, they were far simpler to implement and offered quicker returns.

Joseph sighed, wishing for more talented individuals like Murdoch.

Unfortunately, he had only managed to recruit one such genius.

Raising his hand to signal for silence, he interrupted Murdoch's passionate discourse. "In fact, I have a very important task that requires your immediate attention."

"Ah? Of course, Your Highness, please command me," Murdoch replied.

Joseph motioned for Murdoch to follow him into a nearby office. Once inside, he closed the door to block out the noise of the steam engines and said, "I plan to install gas lamps along every street in Paris. Yes, just as you once suggested—using combustible gas derived from coal to light the streets."

Though Murdoch was more interested in developing large steam engines, the prospect of illuminating all of Paris piqued his interest.

"Your Highness, I do have the technology to distill gas from coal—I even patented it in Paris—but we currently lack suitable lamps for this purpose."

"That's where your expertise comes in," Joseph said with a smile. "I trust this will not be a difficult challenge for someone of your abilities."

He thought to himself that simply accelerating Murdoch’s invention by two or three years should be feasible with sufficient funding.

"I do have a few ideas..." Murdoch murmured, rubbing his hands together. After pondering briefly, he raised his head. "Very well, Your Highness, I will create this device as quickly as possible!"

Joseph nodded in satisfaction. "I will establish a gas lamp company, which can purchase your patent—or you could contribute your patent as equity. The company’s initial investment will be approximately 3 million livres."

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