Torpedoes and Torpedo-Vessels. By Lieutenant G. E. Armstrong, late R.N.
(G. Bell and Sons.)—There is really all that the intelli- gent reader wants to know about torpedoes and their management in this clearly written little volume of Lieutenant Armstrong's. To most people the knowledge that the working capacity of every torpedo, its idiosyncrasies and behaviour when in motion, are tested by numerous voyages, will be quite new. Of course, a moment's reflection and consideration of the cost of a torpedo would prepare any one for this careful testing of the machine. It has to strike but once, but before doing that it has many risks to run, as have also those who fire it. These risks have been reduced, and the Whitehead torpedo may certainly now claim to be a wonderful pieoe of mechanism, capable of sinking any ship, of being safely fired, and accurately aimed from a war-ship at full speed. It has never yet had a really practical test in warfare,— the war in the East could not be compared to a European war, for instance. The Brennan torpedo is not a naval weapon, but the author refers to it, and indicates its great defensive value for harbours. One of these ingenious machines can reach any part of a large harbour, and can be guided and steered every inch of the way, from the shore. This is a most instructive guide to the subject of torpedoes, though it touches upon a most extraordinary, not to say chililish, chapter in naval architecture,—the building for years of torpedo-catchers which had not—by some knots per hour—the speed of the boats they were supposed to overtake. It is illustrated by diagrams.
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