Note 29 — Chapter I · THE SAILING SHIP (continued 2)
Reading edition
In 1784 Thomas Gordon published a treatise entitled Principles of Naval Architecture, drawing attention to the work of the French scientists and advocating increased length and breadth, finer lines, and a more systematic disposition of materials, for improving the strength and seaworthiness of our royal ships. No notice was taken of his communications to Lord Sandwich, but there is no evidence that his predicted fate overtook him: “to be traduced as an innovator theorist, and visionary projector, as has been the fate of most authors of useful discoveries in modern times, particularly in Britain.”
“The bigotry of old practice,” recorded Mr. Willett in 1793, “opposes everything that looks like innovation.”