The invention of a new method for the propulsion of steamships was news of importance for the shipbuilders and ship owners on the Clyde. Like many others, the idea presented by John Kibble was not entirely new and had been tried in a form on the steamboat Highland Lad on the Lochgoil route as early as 1826. Kibble’s proposed use of a continuous belt of small paddles instead of the normal paddle wheels had some merit, and as events evolved, showed some promise in the steamboat that he had built to demonstrate the invention. It eventually failed but the story and subsequent happenings are well worth examination. The patent submitted by Kibble has the details of his invention. “Specification of the Patent granted to John Kibble, of Glasgow, Gentleman, for Improvements in Apparatus for Propelling Vessels.—Sealed November 2, 1843. “With an engraving. To all to whom these presents shall...