Smith, Francis P

Notes:

(Sir) Francis Pettit Smith, 1808-74, was a mechanical engineer who in mid 1830s developed the screw propeller and perfected the means of attaching it to the steam engine via a driveshaft passing through the hull. Took out a patent and in late 1830s and early 1840s marketed his invention to the Royal Navy. His interest was acquired by Ship Propeller Co which was acquired by Admiralty in 1851 leading to the end of their use of paddle steamers