3-034-614 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

Sir Francis Pettit Smith, inventor of the screw-propeller, 1871. Engraving from a photograph by Messrs. Maull and Co. 'The honour of knighthood was lately conferred by her Majesty upon this gentleman, in especial acknowledgment of the eminent services he has rendered to the country by his labours for the development of the system of screw propulsion and for its introduction into the naval and mercantile marine...Before 1850, when Mr. F. P. Smith retired from the business of fitting screw propellers, more than a hundred vessels, of all classes, were built, or in process of building, to take advantage of his contrivance. He has, during many years past held the post of Curator of the Patent Office Museum, at South Kensington, and has received a small pension. The Admiralty purchased his patent right for £20,000. There can be no doubt that his great invention has been worth millions to the public and to private shipowners'. From "Illustrated London News", 1871.