Robert Fulton and the Submarine

by William Barclay Parsons

"Robert Fulton and the Submarine" by William Barclay Parsons is a historical account written in the early 20th century. The book explores the life of Robert Fulton, an American engineer, inventor, and artist renowned for designing the first practical submarine, the Nautilus. It delves into his early years, influences, and the political and technical challenges he encountered in bringing his innovative ideas to fruition. The opening of the text introduces the reader to Robert Fulton’s journey from art to engineering, highlighting his interactions with influential figures like Joel Barlow and Gaspard Monge. It describes Fulton’s initial forays into submarine design during his time in France, including his attempts to persuade the French government of the submarine's strategic importance. As the narrative unfolds, we learn about Fulton's designs and the secrecy surrounding them, setting the stage for his experiments with underwater navigation and linking them to broader political ambitions during his era. The text serves as a prelude to a detailed exploration of Fulton's innovations and their implications for maritime warfare.