The �Comet�, 1812.

UNITED KINGDOM - JULY 16: Lithograph by C F Cheffins after a drawing by John C Bourne. The 'Comet' was launched in 1812, and was the first passenger paddle steamer to operate commercially in Europe. She was designed by Henry Bell (1767-1830), a Scottish pioneer of steam navigation, and built of wood by John Wood and Co at Port Glasgow. Her engine was built by John Robertson (1782-1868). In 1816 she was in operation on the Firth of Forth and in 1819 was used to establish steam communication between the West Highlands and Glasgow. She ran aground at Craignish Point, near Fort William, in December 1820. Illustration from 'A sketch of the origin and progress of steam navigation from authentic documents' by Bennet Woodcroft (1803-1879) published in London in 1848. (Photo by SSPL/Getty Images)