On Ship-building, 165 



of ships of war, ascertaining their displacements, the centres of gravity of 

 their displacements, and of the whole masses of the ships and their equip- 

 ments, considered as heterogeneous bodies. To this is added the most 

 exact and accurate inquiries connected with the stability, both according 

 to the metacentric method of Bouguer, and to the more perfect and pre- 

 cise investigation of Atwood. Comparisons are also instituted, — the quali- 

 ties of English ships are compared with those of a foreign build — their se- 

 veral properties are analyzed — the good qualities are combined so as to re- 

 medy the bad, and to produce in their ultimate application the most per- 

 fect design. 



But it is not to theory only, continues our author, that their attention is 

 directed. The practical details of the art receive a large proportion of their 

 attention. They are effectually taught how to lay off ships in their prac- 

 tical construction, and in making the drawings which are necessary for the 

 execution of the work in the progress of the building. The adze and the 

 line are put into their hands, like the humble operative at the dock-side, 

 and a vigilant practical ship-vvright examines into the minutest details of 

 their duty. Engaged, therefore, in the morning, we will suppose, in stu- 

 dying the theory of their profession — in calculating the displacement — in 

 investigating the properties of the midship section — estimating the power 

 and influence of the sails, or endeavouring to catch a glimpse of the deep 

 and recondite laws that regulate the resistance of fluids, — they turn in the 

 afternoon to the practical details of their art — in shaping and adjusting 

 timbers — filling up the component parts of Seppings' diagonal framing — 

 bolting together the timbers of his circular sterns, and observing in those 

 numerous cases which the eye of theoretic intelligence is in general so 

 ready to catch, the actual application of rules which occupied their morn- 

 ing thoughts. What else, our author asks, is necessary to make a com- 

 plete and perfect ship-wright } The members of the college have the am- 

 plest and best theories continually before them, and the most enlarged 

 practice to exemplify their application. 



Our author, however, closes this part of his paper with an admonition, 

 which will not, we hope, be neglected in the proper quarter. The studies 

 of the members of the college, says he, are but begun, when the term which 

 marks their residence has expired. Naval architecture is a jealous mistress, 

 and requires the undivided man. Not the devotion of a few years, but of 

 a life consecrated to its pursuit ; year after year, with unwearied zeal, must 

 be devoted to its interests ; and the cordial and uninterrupted pursuit of its 

 varied details must meet with that reward which attends the industrious 

 labourer in other departments of the arts. 



We are glad to find, however, that our author, notwithstanding his able 

 and vigorous defence of the college, has not neglected to consider the condi- 

 tion of the working men. Among the many operatives which a dock-yard 

 presents, says he, there must be some few at least deserving of a better fate, 

 than to spend the long term of their lives in a perpetual state of unceasing 

 labour ; some, though working at first as humble ship-wrights, yet deserv- 

 ing from their talents to rise to command. The great object, says the au- 

 thor, in a well regulated community, is to encourage ability wherever it 



