ON THE MAXIMUM DIMENSIONS OF SHIPS. 
By Sir Wim H. Wuirs, K.C.B., F.R.S.,D.Se., LL. D., D. ENc., HoNORARY MEMBER. 
[Read at the eighteenth general meeting of the Society of Naval Architects and Marine Engincers, held in 
New York, November 16 and 17, 1911.] 
It has been thought desirable, during the present meetings, to initiate 
a discussion on probable growth in dimensions of ships, and I have been 
requested to introduce the subject. Having given close attention thereto for 
many years I have acceded to this request, and have prepared the following 
notes which may serve as a basis for discussion, although they do not profess 
to cover the whole ground which may be discussed. 
The subject is undoubtedly important; it has an interest for naval 
architects, shipowners, dock and harbor authorities, travelers, and all classes 
of engineers. What seem to be chiefly needed are reasoned replies to 
certain questions: 
1. Is it probable that the dimensions of ships will continue to grow at 
the rapid rate which has prevailed in recent years? 
2. Will an upper limit to the sizes of ships be reached? 
3. What considerations, if any, are likely to determine such a limit, for 
either merchant ships or warships? 
Facts and figures relating to the wonderful growth in dimensions of 
ships are necessarily familiar to members of this Society. Since wood ceased 
to be the chief material for shipbuilding and steam began to supersede sail- 
_ power as the means of propulsion—say about sixty years ago—there has 
been a complete revolution in the design and construction of ships and an 
increase in size and speed which was undreamt of by our predecessors. 
Without attempting any detailed recapitulation of well-known facts, atten- 
tion may be drawn to the circumstance that since the present century 
began the rate of growth in dimensions has beeri much accelerated. This 
will be seen from the two tables appended. In the first is summarized 
progress made in the sizes and speeds of Trans-Atlantic steamships during the 
latter half of the nineteenth century; it also enables progress during that 
period to be compared with corresponding progress during the last ten years. 
Table II deals similarly with armored warships. In view of the greatly 
accelerated rate of increase in dimensions which has occurred during the 
present century and is indicated by these tables, one may well ask, Whereunto 
will this thing grow? 
