metal was found to stand this test well, and bent double, like the specimens exhibited, without cracking at any part of the surface.
The other engineer referred to, who took part in the discussion of my paper, was Mr. William Richardson, the active practical partner in the firm of Messrs. John Platt and Company, Engineers, Oldham, in which firm Mr. Richardson had, for over twenty years, the direction and supervision of some five thousand workmen. In the course of the discussion on my paper, Mr. Richardson said, "He had made trial of the Bessemer steel plates for some time in boilers at Messrs. Platt's works at Oldham, where, some years ago, a higher pressure of steam was adopted than was then usual. At that time they frequently found distress at the joints of the boilers, and had adopted double riveting; the furnace plates were frequently blistered, though of a good make of iron. Subsequently three boilers were made of plates of 'homogeneous metal,'3 which had been at work three years, but since the Bessemer steel had been produced at a cheaper rate and equally reliable in strength and quality, they had used it extensively, and had now six boilers constructed of the new plates. They had no more trouble from blistered plates and strained joints, while a great saving was effected, owing to the reduced thickness of the metal requiring less fuel to produce the same heating power. They had had only two years' experience of the new-plates, but during that time the results had proved thoroughly satisfactory."
This latter remark of Mr. Richardson shows the high opinion formed, from personal observation, of the new steel, at least two years prior to the date at which it was spoken. Thus, as far back as July, 1859, Mr. Richardson had erected, at the works of Messrs. John Platt, of Oldham, no fewer than six Bessemer steel boilers, of 6 ft. 6 in. in diameter by 30 ft. in length, each having one flue-tube of 3 ft. 10 in. in diameter, with plates 5/16 in. thick, and working at a pressure of 85 lb. per square inch.
These facts will serve to show the high reputation acquired by these mild cast-steel plates, even at this early period: a reputation that steadily increased throughout the country, and which, in the early part of 1863, had so fully convinced the firm of Messrs. Jones, Quiggins, and Company, shipbuilders, of Liverpool, of the suitability of steel as a shipbuilding material, that they determined to put it to a practical test by building a small steam-ship. For this vessel the firm of Henry Bessemer and Company, of Sheffield, produced the steel, which was afterwards rolled by Messrs. Atkins and Company, of Sheffield, this being the first of many extensive orders given us by this enterprising firm for the Bessemer mild cast-steel ship-plates.
I am indebted to the Chief Surveyor of Lloyd's for the following list of Bessemer steel ships, classed by them during the years 1863, 1864 and 1865.
Name of Vessel. Tonnage. Built in Screw steam-ship, "Pelican" ... ... ... 329 ... 1863 Screw steam-ship, "Banshee" ... ... ... 325 ... 1863 Screw steam-ship, "Annie" ... ... ... 330 ... 1864 Paddle-wheel steam-ship, "Cuxhaven" ... ... 377 ... 1863 Sailing-ship, "Clytenlnestra" ... ... 1,251 ... 1864 Paddle-wheel steam-ship, "Rio de la Plata" 1,000 ... 1864 Paddle-wheel steam- ship, "Secret" ... ... 467 ... 1864 Screw steam-ship, "Susan Bernie" ... ... 637 ... 1864 Paddle-wheel steam-ship, " Banshee" ... ... 637 ... 1864 Screw steam-ship, "Tartar" ... ... ... 289 ... 1864 Paddle-wheel steam-ship, "Villa do Buenos Ayres" 536 ... 1864 Sailing-ship, "The Alca" ... ... ... 1,283 ... 1864 Paddle- wheel steam-ship, "Isabel" ... ... 1,095 ... 1863 Paddle-wheel steam-ship, "Curlew" ... ... 1,095 ... 1865 Paddle-wheel steam-ship, "Plover" ... ... 410 ... 1865 Screw steam-ship, "Soudan" ... ... ... 184 ... 1865 Paddle-wheel steam-ship, "Midland" ... ... 1,622 ... 1865 Paddle-wheel steam-ship, "Great Northern" ... 1,622 ... 1865At the time when the "Clytemnestra," a steam sailing-ship of 1,251 tons, was in course of construction, it was found by the builders that want of capital would prevent it being finished, and result in the shutting-up of the shipyard. I was so anxious that the application of my new steel to shipbuilding should not receive a sudden check, that I was induced to lend the firm £10,000, to put their financial affairs in order. This, however, did not effect the desired object, and, unfortunately for me, the prior claims of secured creditors converted my loan into an absolute loss. It had, however, one good effect; it enabled the firm to continue for a while; and by the end of 1865 no less than eighteen steel ships, aggregating 13,489 tons, had been built of Bessemer steel, classed at Lloyd's, and duly placed on the Register. Every person connected with shipping is fully aware that the careful examination of Lloyd's experienced surveyors is an absolute guarantee of the strength and structural good qualities of all ships passed by them. But
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