THE ENGINEER. 



225 



the management of steam-launches and torpedoes. Take the great ironclad Thunderer (that 

 on which the terrible boiler explosion occurred) as an example : she has twenty-six engines 

 for various purposes, apart from the engines used to propel the vessel, which have an 

 actual power of 6,000 horses. The Temeraire has thirty-four engines distinct from those 

 required for propulsion. A competent authority says that, "with the exception of the 

 paymaster's and surgeon's stores, he is responsible for everything in and outside the 



ENGINE-ROOM OF H.M.S. " WARRIOR." 



ship (meaning the hull, apart from the navigator's duties), to say nothing of his duties 

 while under weigh." And yet engineers of the navy do not yet either derive the status 

 or emoluments fairly due to them, considering the great and increasing responsibilities thrown 

 upon them of late years. Sir Walter Scott makes Rob Roy express a his contempt of 

 weavers and spinners, and sic-like mechanical persons, and their pursuits '" and in the naval 

 service some such feeling still lingers. 



The first serious introduction of steam- vessels into the Royal Navy occurred about 

 the year 1829, the Navy List of that year showing seven, of which three only were com- 

 missioned, and these for home ports. No mention is made of engineers ; they were simply 

 taken over from the contractor with the vessel, and held no rank whatever. In 1837 an 

 Admiralty Circular conferred warrants on engineers, who were to rank immediately below 

 29 



