444 Mr'. Harvey on Naval Architecture.. [Dec. 



kind, we may almost fear the future will not be more pro- 

 pitious. 



This great problem, with all its important applications, may, 

 therefore, always remain in its present imperfect condition, 

 unless the necessary funds for its investigation be afforded by 

 the country ; and judicious and proper persons be selected for 

 its investigation. It is not indeed too much for the man of 

 science to expect, that some steps at least should be taken 

 towards its completion, when he reflects on the national benefits 

 likely to result from it, by the new aspect it would give to naval 

 architecture, and the important practical rules that would most 

 probably be deduced, to improve the form and the sailing quali- 

 ties of our ships of war. We may hope indeed, from the liberal 

 spirit which now animates our Public Boards, and from the 

 various improvements which have been latterly introduced into 

 our dock yards, that the difficulties which have hitherto impeded 

 the march of this important branch of knowledge, may be in 

 some degree surmounted ; and by a steady perseverance, that 

 all the elements of the problem may be crowned with a perfect 

 and satisfactory solution. 



In speaking of this important branch of knowledge, I would 

 not be understood to overlook the splendid efforts which have 

 been already made by mathematicians, to enlarge and extend 

 its boundaries. On the contrary, I cannot too much admire the 

 attempts of that noble race of men to increase our stock of 

 information on the subject, in spite of the clouds and difficulties 

 which surround it. Talents indeed of the most splendid order 

 have been engaged on it ; the most beautiful and varied inven- 

 tion has been displayed, and the richest treasures of analysis 

 been unfolded, to elucidate the theories which have been from 

 time to time advanced. Mathematicians, however, have not 

 failed from lack of talent, or want of ardour, to pursue the ques- 

 tion in all its bearings, but for want of experimental data on 

 which to ground their investigations. It cannot be concealed, 

 that there are difficulties in the way of this problem, which no 

 calculus can reach, however refined may be its principles, or 

 however ample and extended may be its powers, unless experi- 

 ment previously furnishes its properly corrected elements. With 

 these, the mathematician would be enabled to work with the 

 same certainty and success as distinguish his efforts in so many 

 other departments of physical science. Nor can it be till then 

 that ship building can assume a character suited to the genius 

 and scientific intelligence of the age. No longer the sport of 

 accident, and guided by rules, if rules they may be called, 

 which have no other authority and foundation than what an 

 imperfect experience has afforded, we shall see it gradually 

 assuming a new aspect ; and instead of having to contemplate 



