The power-shovel industry saw a somewhat revolutionary transition in the 1910s. Steam, the standard power source for these machines since their advent around 1835, was being challenged by the new ...

The Ball Engine Company was founded in Erie, Pa., in 1883 to manufacture stationary industrial steam engines. Recognizing that the market for such engines was maturing, it began manufacturing steam ...

If you enjoyed this article, I’d like to ask for your support. Scientific American has served as an advocate for science and industry for 180 years, and right now may be the most critical moment in ...