Model of an Oscillating Steam Engine with Adjustable Steam Valve 1855

This is a model of an oscillating steam engine with adjustable steam valve created by Koninklijke Fabriek P. van Vlissingen & Dudok van Heel. The Industrial Revolution brought massive shifts in production, labor, and social structures. Consider this model as more than just a feat of engineering. It embodies the dreams, anxieties, and the sheer audacity of an era defined by its relentless pursuit of progress. Reflect on the human element; the factory workers, many of whom were women and children, who operated these very machines under often harsh conditions. Their labor fueled the engines of progress, yet their stories are often overshadowed by the narrative of technological advancement. While this model represents innovation, it also stands as a reminder of the complex web of social, economic, and ethical considerations that accompany technological change. It invites us to reflect on how progress impacts different segments of society.