116 REPORT — 1853. 



ledge ; and continuous improvements would doubtless be made in the construc- 

 tion of these implements before they arrived at that perfection to which machinery 

 in all its branches was brought in this country. Models of Bell's, M'Cormick's and 

 Hussey's reaping-machines were exhibited and explained by Mr. Crosskill. 



On the progress of Mechanical Science. Address delivered by the President 

 of the Section,W iht,iAu Fairbairn, C.E., F.R.S., on the opening of the 

 business. 



After briefly alluding to the progressive improvements that have taken place in 

 this country and America during the last half-century, Mr. Fairbairn observed, that 

 at the meeting of the Association at Belfast, several interesting papers were discussed, 

 such as those ' On Telegraphic communication by Land and Sea,' ' Improvements 

 on the permanent way of Railways,' ' On Lattice Girder Bridges,' ' On the Evolution 

 of Gas in Coal Mines,' ' On the Vortex Water-Wheel,' ' Iron Sleepers,' ' Tubular 

 Boilers,' &c. All those he considered as additions to our knowledge in the useful 

 arts, and calculated to promote the advancement of practical science. 



In his view of the progress of the mechanical arts for the last twelve months, he 

 alluded to the advices received from America on the subject of steam navigation, and 

 the wonders that were likely to be achieved by Capt. Ericsson in the completion and 

 substitution of the caloric for the steam-engine. The public, and particularly the 

 engineering world, were greatly interested by a question of such vast importance as a 

 new motive power ; and Mr. Fairbairn (although he did not participate in the belief of 

 its success to the same extent as some of his scientific friends), nevertheless, was bound 

 to admit the possibility of great improvements being effected by Capt. Ericsson, upon 

 those already introduced into Dr. Stirling's air-engine ten years ago. It was much to 

 be regretted that after two years' trial, the scientific world were not yet in possession 

 of results suflScient to assure the ultimate success of the invention. 



In other respects the country had reasons for congratulation in the improve- 

 ments that had taken place in our ships of war, as well as our mercantile navy. 

 The introduction and successful application of the screw propeller, the concentra- 

 tion of the moving power, the saving of space and other advantages which distinguish 

 the steam flotilla of this country, were doubtless the precursors of a new sera in 

 naval history . 



To be convinced of the changes now in progress, it was only necessary to notice 

 the splendid sight which occurred at Spithead a few weeks since — to witness ships 

 such as the Duke of Wellington, of nearly 4000 tons burden, 1100 men and 131 guns 

 of large calibre, moving in and out of position — regardless of wind or tide — with a 

 facility that would have astonished the Rodneys, Howes and Nelsons of former 

 days, and left the impression of a complete revolution in the naval tactics of the 

 present as compared with the past. 



That improvements such as described had been effected did not admit of doubt, 

 and in Mr. Fairbairn's opinion still greater changes were in progress in the application 

 of steam upon a much more extended scale ; and he was persuaded that a few years 

 would witness in ships of war as well as merchantmen a different description of 

 engines than those now in use, where steam might be used at a pressure of 120 to 

 130 lbs. on the square inch, and where a great saving of weight and space would be 

 effected, and much increased speed obtained. 



In speaking of steam navigation, Mr. Fairbairn could not omit to notice one of 

 the most gigantic undertakings that had ever yet been attempted in this or any other 

 country, naraelj', the Mammoth ship now in process of construction by Mr. Brunei 

 and Mr. J. Scott Russell. The quoted dimensions of this vessel he gave as 680 feet 

 long, 83 feet beam, 58 feet deep, and an aggregate nominal power of 2600 horse. 

 'Ihis immense vessel would be constructed entirely of iron, and the hull or ship's 

 bottom to the extent of 6 feet above the water-line would be double and of the cellular 

 construction, so that any external injury would neither affect the tightness nor safety 

 of the ship. The upper deck would also be strengthened on the same principle, so 

 that the ship would be a complete beam, similar to the tubes of the Britannia Bridge. 

 The vessel (according to the account) would be divided into ten completely water- 

 tight compartments, which would admit of further subdivision up to the lower deck. 



