209 
the Stability of Ships. 
axis at right angles ; similar mensurations are also required 
for determining the stability, in respect to the shorter axis, 
round which a vessel revolves in pitching. In order to de- 
scribe distinctly these several cases, the variation of the sec- 
tions, both in form and magnitude, from head to stern of the 
vessel, has not been considered ; the sections being supposed 
equal and similar figures, such as they in reality are, near the 
greatest section of a ship, growing smaller, and altering their 
form, toward the head and stern. But, before this alteration 
can be taken into account, it is necessary first to ascertain the 
stability corresponding to a vessel or segment, in which the 
sections are equal and similar figures ; from which determi- 
nation, the stability is inferred which actually exists, when the 
form and magnitude of the sections alter continually, from one 
extremity of the vessel to the other. The consideration of 
the cases which have been here stated, with inferences and 
observations thereon, is the subject of the ensuing pages ; in 
which, if any ideas are suggested which may be at all useful 
in the practice of naval architecture, or may contribute to 
remove imperfect or erroneous notions which have been en- 
tertained respecting a principal branch of it, the intention of 
the Author will be accomplished. 
Let WBCOFAH (Tab. VIII. fig. i.) represent a vertical 
section of a vessel floating quiescent and upright, and inter- 
sected by the water's surface in the line BA : BCOFA will be 
the area immersed under water. Suppose the vessel to be in- 
clined from the perpendicular, through the angle ASH, so 
that the intersection of the vessel by the water's surface, which 
before coincided with BA, shall now coincide with the line 
mdccxcviii. ■ Ee 
