General section of pumping engine and pump for the 'Paris Water Works' Chaillot, France.

This drawing is of a single-acting engine with a 63 inch cylinder and 8 foot stroke, ordered by the Frenchman Jacques Constantin Perier for supplying water to Paris. Perier had an exclusive privilege for supplying Paris with water, and had formed a company with his brothers and other investors. He visited Soho and Boulton & Watt agreed to licence as many 63 inch engines “as shall be necessary for the purpose of raising water for the supply of the said City of Paris but for no other use or purpose whatsoever” in return for a payment of 24,000 livres or 20 shares in the company. Perier put up two engines, but Boulton & Watt had extreme difficulty in getting him to pay for them.

This drawing is part of the Archives of Soho collection, which is held by Birmingham City Archives [Ref. MS3147/Portfolio/5/1070]