PREFACE. NAVAL ARCHITECTURE, whether it be considered abstractedly, or as the foundation of all Marine Science, is justly entitled to our admiration and regard, from the eminent utility of the knowledge derived from its study. The national importance of this noble art, from the earliest ages, but particularly at the present crisis of affairs, obviates the necessity of diffuse comment. This subject has not, until very lately, been treated of with a precision or extent adequate to its present state of improvement. A work that comprehends it fully, necessarily requires numerous draughts, on a large scale, for its elucidation; which also demand copious explanations to render them intelligible. Consequently, such a work becomes of magnitude, both in size and price: the expense of several being considerable, which merely treat the subject partially. The scale on which preceding works have been executed was either too large or too small for the gene rality of readers; and the smaller introductions, in particular, were so grossly defective and erroneous, as to have excited the contempt even of novices in the art. "THE ELEMENTS AND PRACTICE OF NAVAL ARCHITECTURE," 4to, a large and elegant work, has been, from these circumstances, presented to the public, since the commencement of the present year; which embraces, within its ample limits, a full and accurate detail of all the particulars requisite for a complete knowledge of Ship-Building. This work has already been honoured with the most flattering testimonials of public approbation*; and is calculated to facilitate the attainment, and develope the most complex operations, of the science, to the most common capacity. But, the price, inevitably attendant on the extensive intelligence therein contained, is too high for the circumstances of many who would doubtless be highly gratified with the perusal of its valuable contents. This consideration suggested the idea of the present volume, and induced the Proprietor to sacrifice individual emolument to public benefit; who has accordingly endeavoured to render the purchase of this volume compatible with the resources of the professional class, for which it is more peculiarly intended. * An abstract of the contents of this work may be seen at the end of the present volume. The ultimate object of the Editors has been to comprise, in a separate and cheaper form, so much upon the practical parts of Ship-Building, as might be convenient for permanent reference to carpenters at sea, and young men first entering on the practice of the art. Every attention has been bestowed to render the execution of the present work consistent with the accomplishment of this immediate view. And it will be found, that the subjects are discussed more fully and accurately, than the size of the volume may seem to promise. The Arithmetic, Geometry, and Mensuration, are given clearly, though concisely, nor, it is hoped, has any thing been omitted, tending to the convenience of those whose accommodation has been more expressly regarded. When the young artist is tolerably well acquainted with the contents of the following sheets, he will undoubtedly be anxious to become acquainted with the grand business of the Mould-Loft; without which, he cannot expect to reach the primary object of all his hopes-eminence in his profession. To effect this purpose, he will find himself under the necessity of refering to the larger work; and, it is presumed, he will find reason to congratulate himself on having acquired, by his purchase, not only the desired information, but also a large Set of Draughts, an extensive Set of Tables, equally accurate and valuable, and a knowledge of theoretic principles: the practical utility of which will accompany him through life. It may not be deemed irrelevant to add that, in the two works, the matter has been considerably varied; and that, the draughts given in the one are not repeated in the other. Either, therefore, will form a proper companion to the other; while the smaller work may be occasionally consulted, and will thus conduce to the preservation of the larger. The decision of the Public must determine the degree of merit with which the original idea has been carried into effect. The Proprietor, in reflecting on the encouragement with which the 4to edition has already been favoured, although the short space only of four months has elapsed from its first publication, is emboldened to entertain the pleasing presentiment, that this succeeding attempt will not be deemed unworthy of similar patronage by candid and competent judges. |