26 AUGUST 1882, Page 3

Dr. Siemens had also an interesting word to say on

the con- struction of vessels. He believed that by the use of "mild steel," a material much lighter than iron, and, therefore, allow- ing of a much larger freight, the dangers of collision would be greatly reduced. Vessels of this material often yield or bulge for several feet without any leakage or rupture, so that the worst danger of collision would be to a great extent avoided. The analogies in nature to the elements of human character are often very curious. You might say, for instance, that while Bismarck is a man of iron, Mr. Gladstone's political temper is made of "mild steel." it will yield or bulge without fracture.