Theoretical Naval Architecture. By Samuel J. P. Theatio.(Collins and Co.)—It
is almost a reflection upon our early scientific enterprise that though essentially a maritime people, we allowed the French to be pioneers in the adaptation of the methods of science to naval con- struction, and Roman-like, took their captured ships-of-war as models for our own. We have now, it is true, men well trained in this branch of architecture, but tho literature of the subject, some parts of which should be easily attainable by the draughtsman and skilled workman, is far above their heads in intellectual grasp and costliness. The pre- sent unpretending work is intended to supply this want, enunciating the principles on which the art of shipbuilding rests, and simplifying many of the problems on the calculation of the stability of vessels. Mr. Thearle may be congratulated on having done real service to the pro- fession of which be is a distinguished member, both in this treatise and tho excellent book of plates which forms its Second Part.
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