This comprehensive study of reciprocating power pumps is a must-read for any engineer or scientist interested in fluid mechanics. William Atkinson North covers the theory behind pump operation, including the dynamics of fluid flow and the effects of valve timing. He then presents his experimental findings on a specific pump design, including detailed analysis of the valve action. With clear diagrams and concise prose, this book is a classic of hydraulic engineering. This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work is in the "public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work. Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.