'Remarks on Shipbuilding'. Pamphlet on ship design for the proposed Panama Canal.
New York: Published by the author, 1872. Wraps. Unrecorded on OCLC, an essay on ship design with specific details for a shallow hull design which the author predicts will be perfectly suited for New York international trade through the two "ocean canals ... Suez and Darien". (Darien refers to the not yet built Panama Canal). The pamphlet opens with two illustrations of Edwin Smith's shallow hull designs.
The author is obviously aware of New York's international trade and the importance of ocean canals being built or in the planning stages. The Suez Canal was completed in 1869; the "Darien" refers to the Panama Canal, which wasn't even begun until 1903. Smith states the Darien (Panama) Canal need be no deeper than 20 feet, and that with his shallow vessels, "we will command the trade from the Indies for a long time, if not always" (p8).
The Suez Canal played an enormous role in strengthening Britain's economic ties and profits from trade with India. The US, coming out of the Civil War, needed vessels specifically designed for canal use in the competition for international trade.
Smith states in the Preface, "I have no money to spare... [I] conclude to publish a few books and give them to the shipbuilders hoping they ... be benefited by it". 8vo, 8pp. Printed paper wrappers. Printed by Russells' American Steam Printing House, Nos 28, 30, 32 Centre Street. We found no record on OCLC. Very good condition. Item #23543
Price: $275.00