NAVIGATION, the theory and art of conducting a ship by sea, from one port to another, or of disposing and influencing her machinery, by the force of the wind, so as to begin and continue her motion at sea.
NAVIRE de guerre, a man of war.
Navire Merchand, Fr. a merchantman. It is likewise called vaisseau marchand.
NAULAGE, NAULIS, Fr. Freight or fare.
Nauliser, Fr. to freight or hire a vessel.
NAUMACHIÆ,or sea-fights, are described as early as the time of the first Punic war, when the Romans first initiated their men in the knowlege of sea affairs. After the improvement of many years, they were designed as well for the gratifying the sight as for increasing their naval experience and discipline; and therefore composed one of the solemn shows, by which the magistrates or emperors, or any affectors of popularity, so often made their court to the people. It will be observed from this passage out of Kennett’s Roman Antiquities, page 269, that the necessity which Rome was under of fighting Carthage upon her own element, gave rise to their naval manœuvres. But the overgrown empire of the former, and the subsequent corruption of her people, soon converted these powerful auxiliaries to the legions, by whom she had conquered the universe, into instruments of pleasure and debauchery. Lampridius, in the life of the emperor Heliogabalus, relates, that, in a representation of a naval fight, he filled the channel where the vessels were to ride with wine instead of water. A story scarcely credible, though we have the highest conceptions of that wretch’s prodigious luxury and extravagance. The frequent threats which the French emperor has put forth, and the similitude which he draws between France and Great Britain to Rome and Carthage, may probably lead to great na- exertions.
NAUTICAL planisphere, a description of the terrestrial globe upon a plane, for the use of mariners: but more usually called chart.
NAVY, implies, in general, any fleet or assembly of ships. It is, however, more particularly understood of the vessels of war that belong to a kingdom or state.
Navy Department of the United States, has the charge of the naval affairs, and of the military marine corps.
Number and Kind of Ordnance for each of the Ships in the British Navy.