zenith in 1846, when no fewer than 272 Acts of Parliament were passed, setting up new railway companies, and the proposed routes totalled of new railway. Around a third of the railways authorised were never built – the company either collapsed due to poor financial planning, was bought out by a larger competitor before it could build its line, or turned out to be a fraudulent enterprise to channel investors' money into another business. Steam power July 4, 1840 – The Cunard Line's 700-ton wooden paddlewheel steamer departs from Liverpool, bound for Halifax, Nova Scotia, on the first steam transatlantic passenger mail service. July 19, 1843 – Isambard Kingdom Brunel's is launched from Bristol; it will be the first iron-hulled, propeller-driven ship to cross the Atlantic Ocean. 1843 – The steam powered rotary printing press is invented by Richard March Hoe in the United States. July 26 – August 10, 1845 – Isambard Kingdom Brunel’s iron steamship Great Britain makes the Transatlantic Crossing from Liverpool to New York, the first screw propelled vessel to make the passage. Other inventions October 5, 1842 – Josef Groll brews the first pilsner beer in the city of Pilsen, Bohemia (now the Czech Republic). September 10, 1846 – Elias Howe is awarded the first United States patent for a sewing machine using a lockstitch design. Commerce In the mid-1840s several harvests failed across Europe, which caused famines. Especially the Great Irish Famine (1845–1849) was severe and caused a quarter of Ireland's population to die or emigrate to the United States, Canada and Australia. The Panic of 1837 triggered by the failing banks in America is followed by a severe depression lasting until 1845. May 6, 1840 – The Penny Black, the world's first postage stamp, becomes valid for the pre-payment of postage. August 10, 1840 – Fortsas hoax: A number of book collectors gather in Binche, Belgium, to attend a non-existent book auction of the late "Count of Fortsas". December – The world's first Christmas cards, commissioned by Sir Henry Cole in London from the artist John Callcott Horsley, are sent. 1843 – The export of British textile machinery and other equipment is allowed. 1844 – Annual British iron production reaches 3 million tons. January 4, 1847 – Samuel Colt sells his first revolver pistol to the U.S government. The California Gold Rush follows on the heels of the Mexican–American War, bringing tens of