The Theory and Practice of Ship Building

London, 1848. b/w ills. in text. xi, 101 pp. Scarce 19th century work on naval architecture and shipyard practice. The author claims to be from a long line of ship builders and writes familiarly of earlier authors such as Stalkart, Chapman. He cites Creuze and Fincham and addresses experiments and design changes that have come about since the publication of these works. The practical sections are very specific, dealing mostly with the fabrication of specific timbers in the hull. There is also a chapter on steam navigation. The text refers to 6 plates which are not present in this work. Scott makes no reference to plates but according to Worldcat, they do exist. See Scott, 680. Laid into this copy is a two page autograph letter, signed, from one H. Smith regarding the steam vessels accompanying the Experimental Squadron in 1846. The letter notes the progress of the squadron and the behavior of each of the six ships composing it. Bound in contemporary half calf over marbled boards. Spine label chipped