Robert Wilson (engineer)

[1] The minutes of the Dunbar Mechanic's Institute of 18 October 1827 record, Mr Robert Watson presented to the meeting two models invented by Mr Robert Wilson (member of this institution)–the first, a Horizontal Wind Wheel; the second, a Model with an Apparatus for propelling Steam vessels from the stern, a kind of Revolving Scull.

By it the vessel goes with greater speed than with side paddles, and produces so little motion of the water as to fit admirably for canal navigation.

[3] James Maitland, 8th Earl of Lauderdale became interested in Wilson's experiments, and in 1827 notified the Admiralty of the invention, but did not gain their attention.

[1] Wilson conducted successful sea trials in April 1828 on the Firth of Forth near to Leith, observed by witnesses who included Vice-Admiral David Milne.

[4] He resumed the trials in June 1832 using a loaned 18 feet (5.5 m) boat, and won the silver medal of the Highland Society of Scotland.

On 17 September 1833 the captain superintendent of the Woolwich dockyard wrote "We have carefully examined the papers ... the plan proposed ... is objectionable, as it involves a greater loss of power than the common mode of applying the [paddle]wheels to the side.

I would be prouder to say that I was the inventor of that motion, then to say I had commanded a regiment at Waterloo..."[9] Nasmyth's steam hammers could now vary the force of the blow across a wide range.