Genealogy Australia

This is a book about little-known element in the history of motive power. Windmills and watermills survive in most parts of Britain but animal-powered machines are hardly known. Nevertheless, the animal-powered machine made a significant contribution to the history of mining and agriculture in the late eighteenth century and early nineteenth centuries.

The use of animal power declined with the development of the railways, yet a surprising number of these early machines survive and can still be found. The author identifies the various types of machine and deals with their use in the past and development into an efficient form of power at the start of the industrial revolution. Also listed are place to visit some of these machine, and a bibliography of source documents.

Contents:
Introduction
1. Animal-powered machines in historical times
2. Vertical hoisting machines
3. Horse engines in the mines
4. The industrial uses of animal-powered machines
5. The agricultural horse engine
Places to visit
Bibliography