Chapter 124 Genius Inventor

William Murdoch? Joseph seemed to have heard of this name, but couldn't remember it for a while. He must be a British technician with some ability.

Since people are willing to come all the way to France, Joseph always has to express: "You are very welcome, Mr. Murdoch. I look forward to you being able to show your talents in the steam engine project in France."

When Joseph saw that Dupont had only brought Murdoch alone, he already knew that things might not go well.

He asked the two of them to sit down and looked at Dupont anxiously: "What did Mr. Watt say?"

A look of shame appeared on the latter's face, and he spoke with some difficulty: "Your Highness, I'm sorry that I couldn't fulfill your great trust. Mr. Watt rejected my invitation."

Although Joseph was mentally prepared, he still frowned when he heard this: "He is not satisfied with our conditions?"

"No, Your Highness, in fact, he doesn't care about the conditions at all..."

Dupont briefly talked about Watt's situation, and Joseph couldn't help but sigh: "Mr. Dupont, you have done your best, there is no need to blame yourself. I will think of other ways."

Although Joseph acted very calmly, he actually began to feel worried in his heart.

He knew very well that if France wanted to establish a steam engine industry chain in the shortest time, Watt was absolutely a crucial link!

Joseph was not arrogant enough to think that he could handle the entire industry on his own. Although he has many advanced steam engine technical principles in his mind, it is still far away from turning into a truly operational machine. After all, he has never actually built such a thing.

Not to mention the difficulty of implementing the principle into a real machine, even if he had the drawings of a new steam engine, he would not be able to build it at all.

From the material selection of the boiler to the specific process of casting. From how to grind the piston wall to the ratio of reserved tolerances. From the cross-sectional shape of the crank to the consistency of the lubricant at the joint...

To build a steam engine, there are hundreds or thousands of detailed processes. If any one of them is not up to standard, the result will be that the machine will either have constant problems or have low power.

If Joseph was allowed to lead his own people to tackle the technical problem, it would definitely be solved in three to five years, but France cannot wait that long now, and it is impossible for him to devote all his energy to developing steam engines.

And Watt had the technology and experience needed to build a steam engine in this era. He knew every part of the steam engine and knew how to machine them. And what tools and materials are needed to process these parts.

With him, France's basic steam engine production line can be quickly built.

However, Watt seems destined to have no connection with France, so all technical processes can only rely on France's own technicians to slowly explore.

No one knows how long this process will take...

Joseph shook his head secretly, and was thinking about which technicians in France were worth training. He saw Murdoch on the side carefully moving his butt forward, and said nervously: "Well, His Royal Highness the Crown Prince, I heard Mr. Dupont say that you plan to establish A factory that makes steam engines?”

"Indeed."

"I thought maybe I could help."

"Oh? Are you familiar with building steam engines?"

Murdoch straightened his chest and showed a confident look: "Your Highness, if you think Mr. Watt can do the job, then I can definitely do it.

"Let's put it this way, I basically know what he knows. At the same time, I also have my own patent."

Joseph looked at the middle-aged man in front of him in surprise: "Are you telling the truth?"

Dupont stood aside and said: "Your Highness, I have confirmed that Mr. Murdoch does own a patent for a swing-type steam engine and a steam gun in the UK."

It was precisely because Murdoch had these two patents that Dupont decided to bring him to see the Crown Prince.

"Your Highness, perhaps you have heard of the 'planetary crank gear device' of steam engines." Murdoch's tone was obviously full of resentment, "Actually, this technology was invented by me. It's just because I work in Mr. Watt's company , according to the original work agreement, the patent was in his name.”

Planetary gear? Joseph couldn't help but narrowed his eyes when he heard the words, and seemed to be a little impressed.

Murdoch thought he didn't believe it, and his voice was a little higher: "Your Highness, if you need, I can describe the conception process of this technology in detail.

"Oh, by the way, I also invented a brand new high-pressure steam engine technology..."

He said a little discouraged: "It's just that Mr. Watt is worried that the power of the high-pressure steam engine will be too high, which will affect the company's original product sales, and he does not allow me to publish this technology, so I have not been able to apply for a patent."

Joseph repeatedly recited planetary gears and high-pressure steam engines, and suddenly remembered something and blurted out: "Mr. Murdoch, do you have another invention for gas lighting?"

"Gaslight?" Murdoch looked very surprised. "I have a plan to use coal to generate gas, but it is not perfect yet... Do you know Mr. Cumnock? I only mentioned this to him."

Joseph naturally didn't know Cumnock, but he had been able to confirm Murdoch's identity - the famous Scottish inventor who held many patents on steam engines, especially high-pressure steam engines, but later generations only remembered him as a gas lamp the inventor of.

More than ten years later, the gas street lamp illuminated the whole of London and became a symbol of British civilization!

Seeing that the Crown Prince seemed to be interested in him, Murdoch hurriedly continued: "Your Highness, you may not believe it, but in fact, most of the patents owned by Mr. Watt have my contribution, and some are even completely invented by me.

"I am very familiar with steam engine technology. In fact, I have always wanted to open a steam engine factory, but I had no funds. Until I heard Mr. Dupont said that you were planning to invest in the steam engine industry, so I came immediately.

"Your Highness, if you allow me to help you build a factory, I swear, I will do no worse than Mr. Watt!"

Murdoch had worked in Watt's company for more than ten years and had been robbed of many patents, but his salary was not very high. He had long been filled with resentment, but in order to make a living, he could only compromise.

Historically, it was not until he invented the technology of making gas from carbonized coal more than a year later and made money from the gas lamp patent that he finally got rid of Watt.

But Joseph's steam engine development plan made him see another option!

Joseph did not expect that he would gain something in the same way as he lost. He missed Watt, but gained Murdoch.

This talented man's skills are definitely no worse than Watt's. He can also help him light up the Gaslight technology tree. He is also much younger and more energetic than Watt.

He immediately stood up, smiled and nodded to Murdoch: "Congratulations, Mr. Murdoch, you are now the general manager of the Royal French Machinery Company. I wish us a happy cooperation."

Murdoch was stunned for a moment, and then he was ecstatic. He thought he would have to spend some effort to convince the French Crown Prince, but he didn't expect that he got what he wanted so smoothly, and he was directly the general manager!

He touched his chest excitedly and bowed deeply: "Thank you for your trust, His Highness the Crown Prince. I will definitely not let you down!"

"Well, I'm also looking forward to your outstanding performance."

Murdoch suddenly thought of something again, rubbed his hands nervously and said, "Your Highness, um, I hope to get a patent for the technology I invented."

On the way here, he heard that France had passed the Patent Law, and having patents expropriated by others had always been a worry for him.

"The patent belongs to you." Joseph nodded immediately, "But you have to grant the company the exclusive right to use it."

"Of course that's no problem, Your Highness." Murdoch added, "Also, you know, I will contribute all my skills to the company, maybe... I can get 10% of the company's shares, in which case I will be very grateful to you. of."

Joseph immediately shook his head: "How can this be done?"

Murdoch looked panicked. According to the investment amount of 1 million livres, 10% is 100,000, which is indeed too much.

He was about to say, "Is that 5% OK?" when he heard the Crown Prince say: "Based on your value, you should get at least 20% of the shares. But these are stock options."

"20%?!" Murdoch was startled. He was stunned for a moment before asking again, "What is the option?"

"It will give you 4% of the shares every year for 5 years. If you resign during this period, the previous shares will be invalid." After all, Murdoch is British, and Joseph has to use some tricks from later generations to He has to be tied to France. As for five years from now, France will definitely have its own mature steam engine development team. By then, whether he wants to leave or stay will have little impact on the team.

"Your Highness, I really don't know how to thank you!" Murdoch was overjoyed.

It's only been five years. He has worked for Watt for more than ten years and has not received a single share. In comparison, the French Crown Prince is simply too generous!

Murdoch secretly vowed in his heart: He must build the best steam engine to repay His Royal Highness the Crown Prince.

Seeing that it was lunch time, Joseph invited Dupont and Murdoch to have lunch.

On the way to the restaurant, Murdoch could not wait to tell the Crown Prince about his plan: "Your Highness, it is very wise for you to choose to build a factory in Nancy. There are many mines there that will buy our products. .

"After the equipment and manpower are ready, we will put into production a 25-horsepower high-pressure steam engine. The water pumping efficiency will definitely make the mine owners pay for it immediately!"

You know, the current average power of Watt's steam engines is only 15 to 20 horsepower, which shows the advantages of high-pressure technology.

Joseph shook his head and said: "No, the first thing we want to produce is a high-precision steam engine used to drive boring machines, thread lathes, milling machines and the like. The main goal is to improve the efficiency and accuracy of these processing equipment. Power is not the most important."

"But," Murdoch reminded, "Your Highness, the equipment you mentioned is not profitable. This initial investment..."

Joseph smiled slightly: "You don't have to worry, I will fully guarantee the funds."

His purpose of developing steam engines was to promote the industrialization of France, and various machine tools were the "mother machines" of industry. At this time, these processing equipment had already appeared in Europe, but they were all driven by manpower or hydraulic power, resulting in low power and poor accuracy. If steam engine driving is used instead, the processing speed and accuracy will be greatly improved.

For example, processing equipment such as automatic boring machines and milling machines can be widely used in the arsenal he planned. Compared with manual production of weapons and equipment, both accuracy and production efficiency will be improved by leaps and bounds. And the cost will drop significantly. Most importantly, component standardization can be achieved more easily.

In addition, with automatic processing equipment, the production speed and quality of steam engines can in turn be improved, forming a virtuous cycle. By this time, the production of water pumps, steam spinning machines, etc. will naturally fall into place.

…

Southern suburbs of Paris.

In a patch of weeds more than 400 meters away from the north side of the Paris Police Academy training ground, a dark four-pounder gun was lying.

A French Guard officer dressed as an ordinary citizen looked southward impatiently, glancing at the pocket watch in his hand from time to time.

More than ten minutes later, several roars of artillery were heard from the direction of the police academy training ground. The officer immediately perked up and shouted to the soldiers sitting around: "Get up, you lazy guys!"

Six or seven artillerymen also in civilian clothes gathered around. Some adjusted the direction of the artillery, some fixed the wheels of the artillery, and others were waiting aside with gunpowder and shells.

The officer looked at a farmhouse on the north side with his telescope, then glanced at the shooting parameters that had been calculated in a small book, raised the muzzle of the gun with his own hands, and measured it carefully with a protractor.

"Okay, reload." He waved to the soldiers on the side.

The soldier hurriedly poured gunpowder into the muzzle of the gun. Another person followed and pressed it with the loading rod. The next soldier inserted the pellet. The man with the loading rod pushed the shell to the bottom of the barrel.

There was gunfire again from the police academy training ground. The officer started to count the time, and quickly estimated that the police training was about three minutes to one shot.

He motioned to his ignition hand.

The young man holding the fire stick hurriedly walked over, glanced in the direction of the farmhouse, and then looked at the officer, with a somewhat struggling expression: "Sir, there seems to be only one farmer over there. Do we really want to fire at that?"

"Shut up!" The officer glared at him, "You just need to follow the order."

"Yes, sir……"

Seeing that it had been exactly three minutes since the last time he heard the sound of cannons, the officer immediately shouted to the fireman: "Fire!"

The soldier had already developed the habit of obeying orders unconditionally and hurriedly pressed the ignition stick on the fire door. The cannon suddenly let out a roar. The billowing smoke instantly enveloped the surrounding area.

A 4-pound iron ball roared into the farmhouse in the distance, bringing out a sky full of broken wood and hay clippings. Half of the simple farmhouse suddenly collapsed.

Almost at the same time, a loud noise was heard from the direction of the police academy training ground.

The officer of the French Guard used his binoculars to confirm that he had hit the farmhouse. With a sneer on his lips, he turned around and ordered his men to put the cannon on their horses and quickly retreat to the northwest.

Another group of soldiers who had been waiting there hurriedly removed the gun barrel and loaded it into the carriage. The carriage then fled to the city of Paris, while the gun carriage was hidden in the dense forest next to it.

At the training ground of the Paris Police Academy, Berthier was talking to Dubois about the new tactic of "artillery clustering" - although his transfer to the French Guards Engineer Battalion has been decided, the transfer order has not yet been issued. During this period, he almost Come to the training ground every day. Indeed, as the Crown Prince said at the time, there were many new tactics here, which he never tired of.

After another artillery firing training, Dubois frowned and turned to look at his assistant: "If I remember correctly, this afternoon is a three-gun training."

"Yes, sir, two 4-pounders and an 8-pounder."

"But there were four cannon shots just now."

Berthier said from the side: "Maybe it's an echo."

"Not really." Dubois was an artilleryman and was very sensitive to the sound of artillery.

He immediately waved to the guards at the training ground: "You guys, come with me and have a look."

"yes!"

When Dubois led the police officers to the place where the French Guardsmen had fired, they found nothing but a faint smell of gunpowder smoke in the air.