METHOD OF SECURING A SHIP'S BEAMS. J 8/ 



Method of securing the Beams of Ships, without wooden 

 Knees made of one Piece: by Mr. George Williams, 

 Master Carver at his Majesty's Dock Yard, Chatham*. 



SIR, 



JL Submit to you, for the inspection of the Society, the Advantages of 

 following particulars of my invention for the better securing g^™" a ° 

 of the beams of ships of war, East and West India ^hips, ship's beams, 

 and all others where strength, dispatch, room, and cheap- 

 ness are required. In this method less iron in weight, and 

 fewer bolts are necessary, than in the iron knees before in 

 use; there is also less strain upon the bolts, as the block 

 underneath is morticed both into the beam and side of the 

 ship, as well as bolted. 



Upon this plan the work is all done under the hand, 

 which is executed much quicker than in the former plan, 

 where the work is all done over hand, and where great nicety 

 is requisite in making the bolt-holes which pass through 

 both the iron stays. In my method much more room is 

 also gained between decks for stowage and working the 

 guns, and even a porthole may be made under the beam 

 itself. 



I calculate the saving in a 74-gun ship or East Indiaman Saving, 

 to be as follows, viz. 



Ton.Cut.qrs.lb. t. d. £. s. d. 



Copper bolts, 2 1 3 9 at 1 4 per lb. • • 305 8 



Iron, 2 12 56 per cwt. •• 145 12 



Three men and one boy's time for a month • • • • 45 17 6 



Timber* • 50 



£546 17 



» Trans, of the Society of Arts, vol. XXVII, p. U*. The silver 

 Medal was. voted to Mr. Williams for thi* invention. 



The 



