[28] Sir C. Knowles: Observations on Shipbuilding.
[29] In 1784 Thomas Gordon published a treatise entitled Principles of Naval Architecture, drawing attention to the work of the French scientists and advocating increased length and breadth, finer lines, and a more systematic disposition of materials, for improving the strength and seaworthiness of our royal ships. No notice was taken of his communications to Lord Sandwich, but there is no evidence that his predicted fate overtook him: “to be traduced as an innovator theorist, and visionary projector, as has been the fate of most authors of useful discoveries in modern times, particularly in Britain.”
“The bigotry of old practice,” recorded Mr. Willett in 1793, “opposes everything that looks like innovation.”
[30] Fincham says their armament was established as, thirty 32-pounders on the lower deck, thirty 24-pounders on the middle deck, thirty-two 18-pounders on the upper deck, and on the quarter-deck and forecastle eighteen 12-pounders.
[31] James: Naval History.
[32] Letters of Sir Byam Martin: N.R. Soc.
[33] Sharp: Memoirs of Rear-Admiral Sir W. Symonds.
[34] Hannay: Ships and Men. This formula was known before, for Bushnell mentions it in his Compleat Shipwright of 1678.
[35] Sharp: Memoirs of Admiral Sir W. Symonds.
[36] E. J. Reed: On the Modifications to Ships of the Royal Navy.