Campbell petrol engine. Historical illustration of an industrial gas engine adapted to run on petrol (also known as oil). Such engines were initially built as gas engines, running on gas fuels. The additions of devices such as carburettors and vaporisers enabled such engines to be powered by oil-based liquid fuels. These engines were known as oil engines. The Campbell Gas Engine Company of Halifax, UK, was established in 1883. This 40-horsepower oil engine dates from around 1903. Artwork from 'Moteurs' (1911) by French civil engineer Max de Nansouty (1854-1913), part of the 'Les merveilles de la science' series of 1867-1891 by Louis Figuier.