470 
EXPLANATION OF THE PLATES. 
PLATE XCIII. 
This plate contains drawings of the Comet, the first steam boat in Europe, con 
structed by Mr. Henry Bell, of Glasgow, for the Clyde River. To some of our 
readers the following circular respecting this boat may be interesting. 
« STEAM PASSAGE BOAT, THE COMET, BETWEEN GLASGOW, GREENOCK, AND 
HELENSBURGH, FOR PASSENGERS ONLY. 
“ The subscriber having, at much expense, fitted up a handsome vessel to ply upon 
the river Clyde, between Glasgow and Greenock, to sail by the power of wind, air, 
and steam, he intends that the vessel shall leave the Broomielaw on Tuesdays, 
Thursdays, and Saturdays, about mid-day, or at such hour thereafter as may answer 
from the state of the tide; and to leave Greenock on Mondays, Wednesdays, and 
Fridays, in the morning, to suit the tide. 
“ The elegance, comfort, safety, and speed of this vessel require only to be proved, 
to meet the approbation of the public ; and the proprietor is determined to do every 
thing in his power to merit public encouragement. 
“ The terms are, for the present, fixed at four shillings for the best cabin, and 
three shillings the second ; but beyond these rates, nothing is to be allowed to ser 
vants or any other person employed about the vessel. 
“ The subscriber continues his establishment at Helensburgh Baths, the same as for 
years past, and a vessel will be in readiness to convey passengers in the Comet from 
Greenock to Helensburgh. 
“ Passengers by the Comet will receive information of the hours of sailing, by apply 
ing at Mr. Housten’s office, Broomielaw ; or Mr. Thomas Blackney’s, East Quay 
Head, Greenock. 
Helensburgh Baths, “ HENRY BELL.” 
“ Aug. 5,1812.” 
Mr. Bell presented this new method of navigation to the British government at 
three different times, viz., in 1800, 1803, and 1813, when, after all his exertions, it 
was thought to be of no utility to government. After it was denied him in 1803, he 
thought it very hard that such a discovery should lie dormant, and on that account 
he sent a description of the method of applying steam, in propelling vessels against 
wind and tide, to all the emperors and crowned heads in Europe, and also to 
America, which last government put it in practice in the year 1806.