By the 1870s, all the elements were available for widespread use of compressed air as a source of motive power:
The Pneumatic Era would probably be relatively short-lived: say, from about 1870 to the first decade of the 20th century, when electrification started making more general inroads into homes. But could it / would it have been practical or economically viable?
- Steam engines could easily drive compressors yielding perhaps 100 psig;
- Pipe was available in commercial quantities (witness gas and water piping in major cities)
- Compressed air to drive pistons or spin turbines was already well known (see Westinghouse's air brakes, for example)
The Pneumatic Era would probably be relatively short-lived: say, from about 1870 to the first decade of the 20th century, when electrification started making more general inroads into homes. But could it / would it have been practical or economically viable?