Nautical Economy. 20 



a similar state to that of naval architecture at present, in 

 relation to its practical use. In fact, the deficiency of data 

 to teach the science must be admitted in both cases. A theory 

 must be formed from facts. First, the facts must be col- 

 lected, vvith all their connexions ; they must then be analysed 

 and compared; and, by a clear, penetrating, and capacious 

 mind, inferences must be drawn of general and correct appli- 

 cation, or the nearest approximations sought to such general 

 deductions. 



By the talents of Robins, the intricacies of the resist- 

 ance which the air opposes to cannon-balls were eluci- 

 dated ; and it is to similar deductions that we are to look 

 for a penetration through the obscurities which darken the 

 theory of naval architecture. When we turn to Dr. Inman's 

 work, with every respect for the learned gentleman, which 

 was published after he had been Professor to this National 

 Institution only ten years, we look in vain for principles of 

 this kind. From the example of construction given by 

 Dr. Inman, we apprehend, however, that the calculations 

 for ships, formed under his eye, have been nice to a degree, 

 in some immaterial points, while the more weighty elements 

 have been overlooked. Nothing is more necessary in the 

 construction of ships, as in all other things, than duly to 

 appreciate the importance of its different component parts 

 and uses, according to the amount of their effect on the 

 whole : to refine on minutiae, while the elements of great 

 consequence are neglected, is a mode perfectly erroneous ; 

 they may follow after, but ought not to go before. In order 

 to determine these things, we must say that our theories of 

 hydrodynamics and pneumatics are insufficient for the pur- 

 pose. To the analysis and comparison of ships, as proposed 

 by Mr. Major*, and approved by the Navy Board, we turn 

 with great expectations : some deductions, with respect to 

 increasing the dimensions of ships, have already been made 

 and acted on, from that mode of pursuing the subject, 

 which tend greatly to improve our navy ; and by pursuing 

 the subject in that way, we may hope to be placed at that 

 pre-eminence in the art which our nation's wants require, 

 and render so highly desirable. When the plan was first 

 proposed (five years ago), visionary and merely speculative 

 notions were attributed to it : the examination of ships has 

 since been found to be the true source of improvement ; and 



while we see alterations made, we cannot but regret that 



« 

 * For a more particular account of this plan, see Annals of PhilO' 

 sophy for November 1825, Januaiy 1826, and June 1826. 



