Daniel Dod
Encyclopedia
Daniel Dod was a mathematician
and a mechanical engineer. He fabricated the engine for the first steamboat
to cross the Atlantic Ocean
.
, and became distinguished for his mathematical acquirements. He was especially devoted to the construction of steam machinery, beginning when steam navigation was in its infancy, and soon became one of the most successful engine builders in the country. In 1811 he declined an appointment in Rutgers as professor of mathematics, in order to devote himself to this business. His mechanical constructions were different from former ones, and, having proved superior to all others, were generally adopted. In 1819 the “SS Savannah
,” with an engine of his building, made the first steamship voyage across the Atlantic, and returned in safety after visiting England
and Russia
.
In 1821, Dod moved to New York City, where he was reputed the most successful engine builder in the United States
. In 1823, having altered the machinery of a steamboat, he went on board to witness the effect of his repair by a trial trip on the East River
. The boiler exploded, and so severely injured Dod that he died a few days thereafter.
Mathematician
A mathematician is a person whose primary area of study is the field of mathematics. Mathematicians are concerned with quantity, structure, space, and change....
and a mechanical engineer. He fabricated the engine for the first steamboat
Steamboat
A steamboat or steamship, sometimes called a steamer, is a ship in which the primary method of propulsion is steam power, typically driving propellers or paddlewheels...
to cross the Atlantic Ocean
Atlantic Ocean
The Atlantic Ocean is the second-largest of the world's oceanic divisions. With a total area of about , it covers approximately 20% of the Earth's surface and about 26% of its water surface area...
.
Biography
Dod was educated at Rutgers CollegeRutgers University
Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey , is the largest institution for higher education in New Jersey, United States. It was originally chartered as Queen's College in 1766. It is the eighth-oldest college in the United States and one of the nine Colonial colleges founded before the American...
, and became distinguished for his mathematical acquirements. He was especially devoted to the construction of steam machinery, beginning when steam navigation was in its infancy, and soon became one of the most successful engine builders in the country. In 1811 he declined an appointment in Rutgers as professor of mathematics, in order to devote himself to this business. His mechanical constructions were different from former ones, and, having proved superior to all others, were generally adopted. In 1819 the “SS Savannah
SS Savannah
SS Savannah was an American hybrid sailing ship/sidewheel steamer built in 1818. She is notable for being the first steamship in the world to cross the Atlantic Ocean, a feat that was accomplished from May to June 1819, although only a fraction of the distance was covered with the ship under steam...
,” with an engine of his building, made the first steamship voyage across the Atlantic, and returned in safety after visiting England
England
England is a country that is part of the United Kingdom. It shares land borders with Scotland to the north and Wales to the west; the Irish Sea is to the north west, the Celtic Sea to the south west, with the North Sea to the east and the English Channel to the south separating it from continental...
and Russia
Russia
Russia or , officially known as both Russia and the Russian Federation , is a country in northern Eurasia. It is a federal semi-presidential republic, comprising 83 federal subjects...
.
In 1821, Dod moved to New York City, where he was reputed the most successful engine builder in the United States
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
. In 1823, having altered the machinery of a steamboat, he went on board to witness the effect of his repair by a trial trip on the East River
East River
The East River is a tidal strait in New York City. It connects Upper New York Bay on its south end to Long Island Sound on its north end. It separates Long Island from the island of Manhattan and the Bronx on the North American mainland...
. The boiler exploded, and so severely injured Dod that he died a few days thereafter.