The Century of Inventions of the Marquis of Worcester / from the Original MS., with Historical and Explanatory Notes and a Biographical Memoir

by Marquis of Edward Somerset Worcester

No. XII.

A way to make a ship not possible to be sunk, though shot at an hundred times between wind and water by cannon, and should she lose a whole plank, yet, in half an hour's time, should be made as fit to sail as before.

NOTE.

Provided the hull of the vessel be composed of number of small divisions, similar to the life preservers constructed by Mr. Daniel, it will scarcely be possible to sink it, especially if a large sheet, well prepared with oakum, be drawn under the vessel in the event of a fracture occurring, as the pressure of the water on the surface of the vessel will force the canvass into the chasm, and allow of the necessary reparation. The latter method has been adopted in the navy for several years.