Sir Charles Algernon Parsons (1854–1931) was a British engineer and scientist, best known as the inventor of the steam turbine. Originally published in 1911, this volume forms the substance of the Rede Lecture for that year, which was delivered by Parsons in Cambridge. A concise discussion of the steam turbine is provided, together with numerous illustrative figures. Accessible and informative, this book will be of value to anyone with an interest in engineering and the development of steam power.