430 Proceedings of the 



faction,'* said Mr. Knowles, " in having the opportunity of men- 

 tioning this, from a place in which this brilhant discovery was made, 

 which was aUke honourable to the talents of our eminent philoso- 

 pher, as it is creditable to the liberality of the members of this insti- 

 tution, who afforded the means of his experimenting, by their excel- 

 lent and extensive apparatus." 



After the American war the fleet was put into good condition, 

 and some large and excellent ships built. The Prince, of three 

 decks, was cut asunder, and eleven feet in length added to her 

 midship capacity ; the same thing was done to the Hibernia and 

 Ocean, first rates, then building. 



In 1793, Mr. Rule (afterwards Sir William Rule) was appointed 

 surveyor ; he planned some excellent ships, among which was the 

 Caledonia of 1:20 guns, which now serves as a model for our first 

 rates. The lecturer eulogised this gentleman as one who possessed 

 every requisite to fill the situation, to which he had been appointed, 

 with credit to himself and advantage to the country. And he remarked 

 that this was " an era in naval science, for a nobleman was ap- 

 pointed by the king to conduct the naval administration of the 

 country, who was initiated in scientific pursuits, and appreciated 

 their influence in the useful arts. In consequence, the talents of 

 Bentham, Brunei, Barrallier, and others of lesser note, were 

 brought into action; our dock yards were improved, the most pow- 

 erful and useful machines introduced, and some ships constructed 

 upon scientific principles.'* 



*' To whom, then, do we owe these and other advantages which 

 our navy and dockyards have derived ? — to a nobleman, to praise 

 whom before the members of this institution would be arrogance, 

 as he is above all praise of mine ; and as they are so well acquainted 

 with the splendid talents and private worth of their late president. 

 Earl Spencer." 



, The present method of constructing ships, as invented by Sir 

 Robert Seppings, was compared, step by step, with that formerly 

 practised, and the great advantages shown which have resulted from 

 the use of the diagonal framing in the hold, the shelf-pieces, thick 

 waterways, iron-clasp knees, and truss-])ieces between the ports. 

 . The lecture was concluded by showing that all the advantages 

 which naval architecture and naval science have derived at difierent 

 times, have arisen from the writings or inventions of men of science, 

 jmd not from mere practicians. 



. Models of a galley, such as were constructed by Alfred ; of the 

 Great Harry, built in the reign of Henry the Eighth ; the Sovereign 



