The Life of Sir Janus Nicholas Douglass, F.R.S. By Thomas
Williams (Lon gmans and Co. 3s. 6d.) —J. N. Douglass was the elder son-of Mr. Nicholas Doug,lase, 'who, after an unfortunate ex- perience in business (caused by the misbehaviour of a partner), took service with the Trinity House as a constructive engineer. After some experience as an engineer James Nicholas went to help his father in the erection of a lighthouse on the Bishop Rock, in the Scilly Isles. This was in 1847. For two years fathorand son were employed in• setting up an iron structure. This was just completed—it was ready to receive the lantern, glassel; &41-when, on February 5th, 1850, it was swept away by a storm. A building of stone was now planned.; and for two years- the two DOUglasies Were employed in superintending the erection, of it. James then went elsewhere, but his brother took hisillace,'And in 1858 the lighthouse was finished (at a cost of £34,650). In 1855 J. N. Douglass re-entered the service of the Trinity Raise, and he remained in it till in 1892 illness com- pelled his resignation. During these thirty-seven years he was engaged in the planning and executing of several works of the greatest importance, the most famous, perhaps, - being the latest Eddystone Lighthouse. This was opened in 1882 by the Dake of Edinburgh (Mr., or as be soon afterwards became, Sir,
Douglass was greatly impressed, we are told, by the Duchess's knowledge of lighthouse affairs). The building was estimated to cost £78,000; the actual' figure was .£59,250. The time allowed was ,five years ; it actually was finished in four. This volume is an interesting record of a man who seems to have been as estimable as he was able.
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