Question

Select the correct answer.

Read the excerpt adapted from The Rocket: The Story of the Stephensons, Father and Son by H. C. Knight.

It was a critical moment, but [Stephenson] had no fears of the result. Robert often came to Liverpool to consult with his father, and long and interesting discussions took place between father and son concerning the best mode of increasing and perfecting the powers of the mechanism. One thing wanted was greater speed; and this could only be gained by increasing the quantity and the quality of the steam. For this effect a greater heating surface was necessary, and mechanics had long been experimenting to find the best and most economical boiler for high-pressure engines.
Young James, son of that Mr. James who, when the new Liverpool and Manchester route was talked of, was the first to discover and acknowledge George Stephenson's genius, made the model of an improved boiler, which he showed to the Stephensons. He introduces himself to our notice now with a patented model of an improved boiler in his hand, which Stephenson thinks it may be worth his while to make trial of. "Try it," exclaimed the young inventor—"try it, and there will be no limit to your speed. Think of thirty miles an hour!"
The improved boiler was what is called a multi-tubular boiler. An iron boiler is cast, six feet long, and three feet and a third in diameter. It is to be filled half full of water. Through this lower half there run 25 copper tubes, each about three inches in diameter, open at one end to the fire, through which the heat passes to the chimney at the other end. You see this would present a great deal of heating surface to the water, causing it to boil and steam off with great rapidity. The invention was not a sudden growth, as no inventions are. Fire-tubes serving this use started in several fertile minds about the same time, and several persons claimed the honor of the invention; but it was Stephenson's practical mind which put it into good working order and made it available. For he told Robert to try it in his new locomotive.

What does the excerpt add to the reader's synthesis about Stephenson's invention?

A.
Various mechanics had been working for a long time to perfect high-pressure steam engines.
B.
Stephenson put improvements in place that would double the speed of his first engine.
C.
The key to developing successful steam engines came in establishing partnerships.
D.
Stephenson was adept at taking other's ideas and putting them to practical use.

Answer 1

The excerpt illustrates how Stephenson was adept at implementing practical applications of other inventors' ideas to his steam engines, notably by adopting an improved boiler design to enhance efficiency.

Step-by-step explanation:

The excerpt from The Rocket: The Story of the Stephensons, Father and Son adds to the reader's understanding of Stephenson's invention by highlighting that he was skilled at refining others' innovations into practical applications. The passage illustrates this by describing an interaction where a young inventor presents Stephenson with a patented model of an improved boiler for steam engines. Stephenson, recognizing the invention's potential, instructs his son to integrate it into his new locomotive, demonstrating his expertise in enhancing the efficiency of steam engines through his practical approach.

Answer 2

The excerpt underscores Stephenson's skill in refining and applying the innovative ideas of others to enhance his steam locomotives, particularly through the practical use of the multi-tubular boiler. The correct answer is option: D) Stephenson was adept at taking other's ideas and putting them to practical use.

Step-by-step explanation:

The excerpt from The Rocket: The Story of the Stephensons, Father and Son by H.C. Knight contributes to the synthesis about Stephenson's invention by highlighting that Stephenson was adept at taking other's ideas and putting them to practical use.

It shows that while many mechanics were working on improving high-pressure steam engines, and multiple inventors contributed to the development of the multi-tubular boiler, it was Stephenson's ability to refine these ideas into a working and practical application that was significant.

Recognizing the practicality and testing young James' improved boiler suggests that Stephenson knew how to utilize and adapt the concepts of others to advance steam engine technology, ultimately leading to the enhancement of his locomotives.