Comparative Costs and the Diffusion of Steam and Water Power, 1800–1870

Haris Kitsikopoulos
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Haris Kitsikopoulos: Unbound Prometheus

Chapter Chapter 7 in An Economic History of British Steam Engines, 1774-1870, 2023, pp 195-248 from Springer

Abstract: Abstract Prior to 1800, waterpower remained the power source with the lowest cost. But the technological revolution which started with the introduction of Cornish engines and unfolded with the development of several variants in this category was bound to have major implications regarding their productivity and hence their operating cost. The major factor determining the latter was fuel consumption and hence the fuel rate and price of coal were of paramount importance. The present chapter will attempt to outline developments in this regard and discuss their impact on the diffusion of steam and water both at a sectoral and aggregate level.

Date: 2023
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DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-27362-9_7

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