years after his birth, which occurred at Little Britain,
Pennsylvania, in the year 1765. His parents were farmers, and of Irish
birth, but Protestants in religious belief.

At seventeen he went to Philadelphia and begun the study of printing.
Four years later he evinced such decided talents in miniature painting
that his friends united in sending him to London, where he remained for
some years under the teaching of the world-renowned West. Being a friend
of West, he was thus drawn into association with such men as the Duke
of Bridgewater and the Earl of Stanhope. Through the influence of the
former he adopted the profession of a civil engineer. He also became
acquainted with Watt, who had just brought out his great improvement on
the steam engine, the details of which Fulton mastered.

While in London, at this time, he also contrived a new device for sawing
marble which proved to be a valuable improvement. To this period in his
life also belongs his invention of a machine for spinning flax. In 1797
he removed to Paris where he remained seven years, assiduously studying
the sciences. It was during his sojourn there that he brought out his
celebrated torpedo-boat, since known as the Nautilus, a name derived
from its resemblance in action to that wonderful little animal. This
boat was a plunging machine designed for sub-marine service in placing
torpedoes and other work, for which a sub-marine vessel could be used.
According to Colden this boat was brought to a wonderful state of
perfection, his account of which may be interesting.

On the 3rd of July, 1801, he embarked with three companions on board his
plunging boat, in the harbor of Brest, and descended in it to the depth
of five, ten, fifteen, and so on, to twenty-five feet; but he did not
attempt to go deeper because he found that his imperfect machine would
not bear the pressure of a greater depth. He remained below the surface
one hour. During the time, they were in utter darkness. Afterwards he
descended with candles; but finding a great disadvantage from their
consumption of vital air he caused, previous to his next experiment, a
small window of thick glass to be made near the bow of his boat, and he
again descended with her on the 24th of July, 1801. He found that he
received from his window, or rather aperture covered with glass, for it
was no more than an inch and a half in diameter, sufficient light for
him to count the minutes on his watch.

Having satisf