(p. 321)—Adjustment of compasses (p. 321).

42. Letter to G. B. Airy, Esq., Astronomer Royal (October 5, 1852) 321   As so much depends on perfect navigation, every means is to be taken to ensure a constant determination of the ship’s position and course (p. 321)—It is proposed to have an observatory and staff of observers to be constantly engaged in taking observations (p. 322)—What should be the nature of these observations and of the instruments required? (p. 322). 43. Memorandum on the Management of the Great Ship (October 1855) 324   The principles to be followed in the use of this new machine, and the qualifications of the commander, have long been a subject of anxious consideration by him (p. 324)—This ship requires a totally different management from that suited to ordinary vessels (p. 325)—Examples of this proposition (p. 326)—Size of the great ship (p. 326)—By no possibility must she be allowed to touch the ground (p. 327)—Probable effects of the great size and mass of this vessel (p. 329)—And of her speed (p. 330)—The proposed system of continuous observation (p. 330)—The exact course the ship is to take must be determined previously to the voyage, and must be strictly adhered to (p. 331)—Economy of fuel another consideration of the highest importance (p. 332)—Proper speed of the engines (p. 332)—Use of the sails (p. 333)—Peculiarities of the position of the commander (p. 333)—His attention must be devoted exclusively to the general management of the system by which the ship is to be made to go like a piece of machinery (p. 333)—His assistants (p. 334)—Four chief officers (p. 334)—A master at the head of a staff of observers, who are to make continuous observations upon the position and performances of the ship (p. 334)—The chief engineer (p. 335)—The principles herein set out are to be adopted by the commander as the guide of his conduct in working this machine (p. 335). 44. Letter on the Responsibility of his Position (sent with last) 324 45. Letter on the Duties of the Chief Engineer of the Great Ship (March 19, 1857) 335   The success of the ship as a steamboat will depend entirely upon the amount of power developed by the engines in proportion to the fuel consumed (p. 336)—The peculiar duties of the chief engineer will be to obtain the largest amount of steam from the defined expenditure of fuel, and the use of this steam so as to obtain the largest amount of power and the largest amount of result (p. 337)—Accurate measurements required of fuel expended and results obtained (p. 337)—Economy in every department may make the difference between the success and failure of the ship (p. 337)—The chief engineer should, if possible, superintend the erection of the engines (p. 338). 46. Extract from Report to the Directors of the Eastern Steam Navigation Company, describing the proposed Arrangements for Launching (February 5, 1855) 341   Reasons for deciding to launch the ship sideways (p. 341)—And probably gradually (p. 342). 47. Extract from Memorandum as to Power required to move the Ship (September 26, 1857) 352 48. Letter to Captain Harrison on the River Tackle (September 30, 1857) 354 49. Letter to the Directors of the Eastern Steam Navigation Company on the Nature of the Launching Operations (October 23, 1857) 355   The date is uncertain (p. 355)—The ship is to be lowered down and floated off by a slow and laborious operation (p. 355)—She may stop or not move at all (p. 356). 50. Memorandum on General Arrangements and intended Mode of Proceeding in the Launching Operations (October 30, 1857) 356 51. Letter to the Directors of the Eastern Steam Navigation Company on the State of the Operations (November 26, 1857) 366 52. Letter to the Directors, and Memorandum on the State of the Operations (December 17, 1857) 377 53. Letter to W. Froude, Esq., describing the Floating of the ‘Great Eastern’ (February 2, 1858) 389 54. Extract from Report to the Directors of the Bristol Dock Company on the Condition of the Floating Harbour (August 31, 1832) 423 55. Extract from Report on the same subject (January 31, 1842) 424 56. Extract from Report on Portishead Pier (December 26, 1839) 427 57. Letter on the Distribution of Prizes, addressed to the Chairman of