If the records in "Illustrations of Newly Made Instruments" are not convincing, then the prototype of the steam engine displayed in the Beijing Museum in later generations is ironclad evidence.
"Research on Qing History Materials" records: In 1672, the Belgian missionary Ferdinand Verbiest built a "steam car" for Emperor Kangxi.
Of course, this car is too simple and primitive. It can only move slowly on flat ground and cannot travel on real roads.
But this is the first step from theory to practice!
The most difficult and first step!
"Can you restore one for me to see?"
Jiao Xu looked embarrassed: "This... I have only heard of it but never seen it. Even if it can be restored, it will be a waste of time and money."
Chongzhen stood up and waved his hands: "You can't say that! Think about it, if the Ming warships can sail on their own at sea, what will it mean to the navy?"
Jiao Xu was stunned.
What does it mean?
If other warships are infantry, then these warships are elite cavalry.
Riding a warhorse that doesn't need to eat, you can crush the enemy in battle!
"Someone, give it to Minister Fan!" Chongzhen handed a drawing on the dragon desk to the young eunuch.
"Minister Fan, Jiao Xu, this is the production drawing of the self-extinguishing fire ship that I imagined, you can refer to it. The self-extinguishing fire ship will be handed over to your Ministry of Industry to develop. If you want money, I will give you money, if you want people, I will give you people, and there is no time limit."
The main problem in making a steam engine is material, followed by structural problems.
Chongzhen could provide the structural drawings of the steam engine, but he could not solve the material problem.
These problems can only be solved by the craftsmen of the Ming Dynasty.
"But remember one thing: keep it secret!" Chongzhen added.
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