Juan José Martínez de Espinosa Tacón (1792-1875).

Descripcion de las máquinas de vapor, y de sus mas importantes aplicaciones. Redactada con presencia de las mejores obras y de los informes de los primeros artistas de los Estados Unidos de America.

Baltimore, December 1831.

Folio. [6], 224 pp. With 12 tipped in illustrations, of which 3 drawings and 9 engraved plates. 

Contemporary calf with gold-tooled spine.

Manuscript draft for the first Spanish technical treatise on the steam engine, authored by the founder of the modern Spanish Navy. Written in Baltimore, this impressive folio in-depth report on the latest advancements in steam engineering in the United States is illustrated with three original detailed technological drawings in ink and nine engraved plates from another publication. This work represents an early introduction of steam engineering to Spain, as the first Spanish steam-powered factory was only opened in 1832, while in the United States, this technology was already much more advanced.
Notably, this work was published four years later under the same title (see below), which has since become a rare book. The published illustrations were meticulously copied from the original drawings and prints in the present manuscript, with some alterations to the drawings and close replication of the prints. It is evident that this manuscript was created with the clear intention of being published.
Juan José Martínez de Espinosa Tacón’s distinguished naval career can be divided into two significant phases, with this manuscript marking a pivotal turning point. Initially, he was active abroad, conducting hydrographic surveys, particularly in the Americas during the 1820s. He then remained in the United States to study the latest naval technologies, meticulously documenting his findings in this manuscript. His time in Baltimore exemplifies his proactive approach to embracing technological advancements from the United States, a leading nation in steam engineering at the time. Upon returning to Spain, he applied his newfound expertise, significantly modernizing the Spanish Navy. As a forward-thinking scientist and educator, he ultimately culminated his career as Captain General of the Spanish Navy.
An invaluable source for the history of industrialization and the transatlantic transfer of scientific knowledge.

Condition: binding rubbed. Otherwise in excellent condition.

Literature:

Juan José Martínez y Tacón, Descripcion de las maquinas de vapor, y de sus más importantes aplicaciones. Redactada con presencia de las mejores obras y de los informes de los primeros artistas de los Estados Unidos de América. Madrid, León Amarita, 1835. [10], 227 pp., 11 ll. Ills.

Manuel Silva Suárez, editor. “De Vapor y de Gas: Perspectivas Sobre los Motores de Combustión.” Técnica e Ingeniería en España, vol. 6, Real Academia de Ingeniería, Institución «Fernando el Católico», Prensas Universitarias de Zaragoza, 2011, pp. 544-560.

Palau 156094 [1835 publication].