1-158-753 - Oxford Science Archive/Heritage Images

Henry Bell's steam boat 'Comet' of 1811, (1856). The 'Comet', 40ft long (12.19m), powered by a 3hp Boulton & Watt engine, was the first successful steam boat in Europe. Built in 1811, she made her trial trip on the Clyde between Glasgow and Greenock on 12 January 1812, and went on to carry passengers on the Clyde between Glasgow and Greenock. In September 1812 she made a round trip between Glasgow and Oban, taking four days. From Memorials of James Watt by George Williamson. (Edinburgh, 1856).