IMPROVEMENTS IN THE FORM AND CONSTRUCTION OF SHIPS AND OTHER VESSELS
Year: 1872

page_text: TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS SHALL COME, I, HERMANN
HIRSCH, of No. 25, Craven Street, Strand, in the County of Middlesex,
send greeting.
WHEREAS Her most Excellent Majesty Queen Victoria, by Her Royal
Letters Patent, bearing date at Westminster the First day of May, One
thousand eight hundred and seventy-two, No. 1305, did, for Herself,
Her heirs and successors, give and grant unto me, the said Herman
Her special license, that I, the said Hermann Hirsch,
A
Hirsch,
my executors, administrators, and assigns, or such others as I,
the said Hermann Hirsch, my executors, administrators, or assigns,
should at any time agree with, and no others, from time to time and at
all times thereafter during the term therein expressed, should and
lawfully might make, use, exercise, and vend, within the United King-
dom of Great Britain and Ireland, the Channel Islands, and the Isle of
Man, an Invention of "IMPROVEMENTS IN THE FORM AND CONSTRUCTION OF
SHIPS AND OTHER VESSELS," upon the condition (amongst others) that I,
my executors or administrators,
A
my
the said Hermann Hirsch by an instrument in writing under hand
and seal, should particularly describe and ascertain the nature of the
said Invention, and in what manner the same was to be performed, and
cause the same to be filed in the Great Seal Patent Office within six

page_text: Patent :
And whereas I, the said Hermann Hirsch, did prepare an instrument
in writing under my hand and seal, purporting to declare the nature of
the said Invention and in what manner the same was to be performed,
and caused the same to be filed in the Great Seal Patent Office on the
Thirty-first day of October, One thousand eight hundred and seventy-
two:
And whereas since the filing of the said Specification I have been ad-
subject matter of the
^
Specification
vised and have ascertained that the first claim of my said Specification
is of doubtful novelty, I am therefore desirous of Disclaiming the said
first claim of my said Specification, and of altering the said so that it
may not be capable of being so construed as to include and claim
anything which is not novel, as herein-after set forth.
^
NOW KNOW YE, that I, the said Hermann Hirsch, by and with the
leave of Her Majesty's Attorney-General, and for the reasons aforesaid,
do hereby strike out of the said Specification, as printed by the Queen's
Printers, and published at the Great Seal Patent Office in One thousand
cight hundred and seventy-two, the whole of lines 24 to 30 inclusive on
page 6, and I substitute therefor the words "First, the combination of
an even keel of section swelling upwards and outwards and of bilges
swelling outwards and downwards with," I also strike out the word
"Third" which occurs on line 34 of the said page and substitute
therefor the word "Second." I also strike out the letter "s" from the
word "claims" which occurs in line 35 of the said 6th page of the
said printed copy of the said Specification.
66
And in order that the effect of the said Disclaimer may be clearly
understood, I annex hereunto a copy of the said Specification as it
will appear when so amended, the preamble and testing clause being
omitted.
My Invention relates to improvements in the form and construction
of ships and other vessels whereby the following advantages are secured,
namely, large capacity for cargo and internal accommodation, strength
of structure, and a form of stable equilibrium when the vessel is
aground, combined with great steadiness and stability when it is afloat
and very small resistance, whereby propelling power can be economised

page_text: or great speed may be secured. For this purpose I form and construct a
vessel substantially as I will describe with reference to the accom-
panying Drawings, of which Figure 1 represents a half plan, Figure 2
a side view, and Figure 3 an end view half from the stern and half from
the bow of a vessel constructed according to my Invention. The curves
in Figure 3, marked with the numbers 1, 2, 3, &c., shew the outlines of
half transverse sections on the lines marked with corresponding numbers
in Figures 1 and 2. The curved water lines in Figure 1 marked with
the Roman numerals I., II., III., &c., shew the outlines of half sectional
plans on the lines marked with corresponding numerals in Figures 2
and 3. The dotted curves in Figure 2 marked with the capital
letters A, B, C, &c., shew the outlines of vertical longitudinal sections
on the dotted lines marked with corresponding letters in Figures 1
and 3.
The keel a is even, extending the whole length of the vessel's bottom.
In section it swells from its lower edge upwards and outwards in curves,
presenting their concave sides outwards, the outward swelling being
gradually diminished towards the bow and stern. Amidships the bilge
starting on either side of the keel from a point b some distance up, the
side of the keel swells outwards and downwards to the level of the lower
edge of the keel at c, and then upwards and outwards to a point d some
distance below the light water line. From this point d the side and
freeboard might be carried up straight either vertically or inclined some-
what outwards, but I prefer first to sweep a portion of the side, as from
d to e upwards and outwards in a curve presenting its concave side
outwards and extending to about or somewhat above the load water line,
whence the freeboard may be carried up straight or preferably with a
curvature bulging outwards, as shewn at f, in Figure 3. From this
formation the midship section presents the appearance of two vessels
For some
with rounded bottoms coupled to one intermediate kcel.
distance along the middle body the sections fore and aft of the midship
section present the same general character as the midship section, the
width being gradually reduced, and the swell of the bilge being lessened
both in breadth and in depth. At about one-third of the length of the
vessel from bow and stern, as shewn at the sections marked 6 and 12,
the downward swell of the bilge dies out, and thence towards the ends
of the vessel the curvature of the sides is carried continuously from the
keel outwards and upwards with their outward curvature gradually
diminishing towards the bow and stern. From this form and construc-

page_text: tion it will be seen that if the vessel lay on a level floor it would rest
with stability on its keel and its two midship bilges.
The appearance of a double vessel presented in the midship section
and for about one-third of the vessel's length along the middle body
gradually dies out in the other sections, until at about one-third of the
vessel's length from bow and stern respectively, as shewn by the section
lines 1 to 6, and 12 to 17, the two parts appear to coalesce in one vessel.
While the vessel moves the spaces at b, b, on each side of the keel act
as channels through which water from the bow flows towards the stern.
The currents thus passing between the keel and the bilges serve to steady
the vessel, and when the vessel is fitted with a propeller they afford it a
supply of water in which it acts with greater efficiency.
The curvature of the longitudinal sections marked A, B, C, &c., in
Figure 2, taken vertically through the bilge presents the general
appearance of a double wave with crests near the bow and stern respec-
tively and the intermediate hollow amidships; and oblique sections
through the bilge would present a like general character as do the hori-
zontal sections or water lines marked I., II., III., &c., in Figure 1; such
wave lines in vertical and horizontal sections determine a form of small
resistance to movement through the water.
The outward curvature which I prefer to employ from the water-line
to e in the lower part of the freeboard, combined with the channelled
structure presented on each side of the keel between it and the two
swelling bilges, as well as the peculiarly formed keel itself, serves to
steady the vessel in the water and to diminish leeway, the keel itself
acting as a leeboard.
The structure of the keel in combination with the bilges gives great
strength, and the downward and outward swell of the bilges and sides
gives great floation and stability and large internal accommodation.
In the Figures above referred to I have represented a short vessel,
but it may be readily understood that a similar construction is applicable
to a vessel of different proportions.
A longer or shorter vessel might be designed by extending or con-
tracting the several curves of horizontal and longitudinal sections in the
direction of the length of the vessel without proportionally extending or
contracting them in the direction of the width or depth. Or the curvature
of those sections towards the bow and stern might remain the same, the

page_text: vessel being lengthened by the introduction of any desired length of
middle body between the fore and aft portions. In Figures 1ª and 2ª,
which correspond respectively with Figures 1 and 2, are shewn the lines
of a vessel thus lengthened by the introduction of an extended middle
body.
Having thus described the nature of my Invention, and in what
manner the same is to be performed, I claim,―
First. The combination of an even keel of section swelling upwards
and outwards, and of bilges swelling outwards and downwards, with
such a sweep of the bilges fore and aft that longitudinal sections, vertical
as well as horizontal, partake of the form of wave curves, a form of small
resistance being thereby obtained substantially as herein described.
Second. The combination with the features named in the preceding
claim of an outward curvature of the side near and above the waterline,
whereby additional stability and increased internal accommodation are
obtained, substantially as herein described.
In witness whereof, I, the said Hermann Hirsch, have hereunto
set my hand and seal, this Thirtieth day of May, in the
year of our Lord One thousand eight hundred and seventy-
four.
I hereby grant my fiat, giving leave to the above-named Hermann
Hirsch, to file in the Great Seal Patent Office, with the Specification to
which the same relates, the above-written Disclaimer and Memorandum
of Alteration.
Dated this Seventeenth day of June, One thousand eight hundred and
RICHARD BAGGALLAY,
Attorney-General.
Lincoln's Inn.

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to Hermann Hirsch, of No. 25, Craven Street,
Strand, in the County of Middlesex, for the Invention of
"IMPROVEMENTS IN THE FORM AND CONSTRUCTION OF SHIPS AND OTHER
VESSELS."
Sealed the 5th July 1872, and dated the 1st May 1872.
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said Hermann Hirsch at
the Office of the Commissioners of Patents, with his Petition, on
the 1st May 1872.
I, HERMANN HIRSCH, of No. 25, Craven Street, Strand, in the County
of Middlesex, do hereby declare the nature of the said Invention for
"IMPROVEMENTS IN THE FORM AND CONSTRUCTION OF SHIPS AND OTHER VESSELS,"
to be as follows:-
My Invention relates to improvements in the form and construction
of ships and other vessels, whereby the following advantages are
secured, namely, large capacity for cargo and internal accommodation,

page_text: strength of structure, and a form of stable equilibrium when the vessel is
aground, combined with great steadiness and stability when it is afloat,
and very small resistance, whereby propelling power can be economised
or great speed may be secured. For this purpose I form the vessel with
an even keel extending its whole length; the section of this keel swells
upwards and outwards in curves presenting their concave sides outwards,
the swelling being gradually diminished towards the stem and stern.
Amidships the bilge on either side of the keel starting from a point some
distance up the side of the keel swells outwards and downwards to the
level of the lower edge of the keel, and then upwards and outwards to a
point some distance below the light water line. From this point the
side and free board may be carried up straight either vertically or
inclined somewhat outwards, but I prefer first to sweep a portion of the
side upwards and outwards in a curve presenting its concave side out-
wards, and extending to about the load water line, whence the free board
may be carried up either straight or preferably with a curvature bulging
outwards. From this formation the midship section presents the appear-
ance of two vessels with rounded bottoms coupled to one intermediate
keel. For some distance along the middle body the sections fore and
aft of the midship section present the same general character as the mid-
ship section, the width being gradually reduced, and the swell of the
bilge being lessened both in breadth and in depth. At about one-third
of the length of the vessel from bow and stern the downward swell of
the bilge dies out, and thence towards the ends of the vessel the curva-
ture of the sides is carried continuously from the keel outwards and
upwards with the outward curvature gradually diminishing towards the
stem and stern.

page_text: the crests near the bow and stern respectively, and the intermediate
hollow amidships, thus offering a form of small resistance to movement
through the water.
The outward curvature, which I prefer to employ, from the bilge to the
free board combined with the channelled structure presented on each
side of the keel between it and the two swelling bilges, as well as the
peculiarly formed keel itself, serves to steady the vessel in the water and
to diminish leeway, the keel itself acting as a lee board.
The structure of the keel in combination with the bilges gives great
strength, and the downward and outward swell of the bilges and sides
gives great floatation and stability, and large internal accommodation.
SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent
filed by the said Hermann Hirch in the Great Seal Patent Office
on the 31st October 1872.
TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS SHALL COME, I, HERMANN
HIRSCH, of No. 25, Craven Street, Strand, in the County of Middlesex,
send greeting.
WHEREAS Her most Excellent Majesty Queen Victoria, by Her
Letters Patent, bearing date the First day of May, in the year of
our Lord One thousand eight hundred and seventy-two, in the thirty-
fifth year of Her reign, did, for Herself, Her heirs and successors, give
and grant unto me, the said Hermann Hirsch, Her special license
that I, the said Hermann Hirsch, my executors, administrators, and
assigns, or such others as I, the said Hermann Hirsch, my executors,
administrators, and assigns, should at any time agree with, and no others,
from time to time and at all times thereafter during the term therein
expressed, should and lawfully might make, use, exercise, and vend,
within the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, the Channel
Islands, and Isle of Man, an Invention for " IMPROVEMENTS IN THE FORM
AND CONSTRUCTION OF SHIPS AND OTHER VESSELS," upon the condition (amongst
others) that I, the said Hermann Hirsch, my executors, or administrators,
by an instrument in writing under my, or their, or one of their hands and
seals, should particularly describe and ascertain the nature of the said

page_text: Invention, and in what manner the same was to be performed, and cause
the same to be filed in the Great Seal Patent Office within six calendar
months next and immediately after the date of the said Letters Patent.
NOW KNOW YE, that I, the said Hermann Hirsch, do hereby
declare the nature of the said Invention, and in what manner the same
is to be performed, to be particularly described and ascertained in and by
the following statement thereof, reference being had to the accom-
panying Sheet of Drawings, and to the figures and letters marked thereon,
that is to say :-
My Invention relates to improvements in the form and construction
of ships and other vessels, whereby the following advantages are secured,
namely, large capacity for cargo and internal accommodation, strength of
structure, and a form of stable equilibrium when the vessel is aground,
combined with great steadiness and stability when it is afloat, and very
small resistance, whereby propelling power can be economized or great
speed may be secured. For this purpose I form and construct a vessel,
substantially as I will describe with reference to the accompanying
Drawings, of which Fig. 1 represents a half plan; Fig. 2 a side view;
and Fig. 3 an end view; half from the stern and half from the bow of a
vessel constructed according to my Invention. The curves in Fig. 3,
marked with the numbers 1, 2, 3, &c., shew the outlines of half trans-
verse sections on the lines marked with corresponding numbers in
Figures 1 and 2.
The curved water lines in Fig. 1 marked with the
Roman numerals I., II., III., &c., shew the outlines of half sectional
plans on the lines marked with corresponding numerals in Figs. 2 and 3.
The dotted curves in Fig. 2, marked with the capital letters A, B, C, &c.,
shew the outlines of vertical longitudinal sections on the dotted lines
marked with corresponding letters in Figs. 1 and 3.
The keel a is even, extending the whole length of the vessel's bottom.
In section it swells from its lower edge upwards and outwards in curves
presenting their concave sides outwards, the outward swelling being
gradually diminished towards the bow and stern. Amidships the bilge
starting on either side of the keel from a point 6 some distance up
the side of the keel swells outwards and downwards to the level of the
lower edge of the keel at c, and then upwards and outwards to a point d
some distance below the light water line. From this point d the side

page_text: and freeboard might be carried up straight, either vertically or inclined
somewhat outwards, but I prefer first to sweep a portion of the side, as
from d to e upwards and outwards in a curve presenting its concave side
outwards, and extending to about or somewhat above the load waterline,
whence the freeboard may be carried up straight or preferably with a
curvature bulging outwards, as shewn at f in Fig. 3. From this for-
mation the midship section presents the appearance of two vessels with
rounded bottoms coupled to one intermediate keel. For some distance
along the middle body the sections fore and aft of the midship section
present the same general character as the midship section, the width
being gradually reduced, and the swell of the bilge being lessened both in
breadth and in depth. At about one-third of the length of the vessel from
bow and stern, as shewn at the sections marked 6 and 12, the downward
swell of the bilge dies out, and thence towards the ends of the vessel the
curvature of the sides is carried continuously from the keel outwards and
upwards with their outward curvature gradually diminishing towards the
bow and stern. From this form and construction, it will be seen that if
the vessel lay on a level floor, it would rest with stability on its keel and
its two midship bilges.
The appearance of a double vessel presented in the midship section
and for about one-third of the vessel's length along the middle body
gradually dies out in the other sections, until at about one-third of the
vessel's length from bow and stern respectively, as shewn by the section
lines 1 to 6, and 12 to 17, the two parts appear to coalesce in one vessel.
While the vessel moves, the spaces at b, b, on each side of the keel act as
channels through which water from the bow flows towards the stern.
The currents thus passing between the keel and the bilges serve to
steady the vessel, and when the vessel is fitted with a propeller, they
afford it a supply of water in which it acts with greater efficiency.
The curvature of the longitudinal sections marked A, B, C, &c., in
Fig. 2, taken vertically through the bilge presents the general appearance
of a double wave with crests near the bow and stern respectively, and
the intermediate hollow amidships. And oblique sections through the
bilge would present a like general character as do the horizontal sections
or water lines marked I., II., III., &c., in Fig. 1. Such wave lines in
vertical and horizontal sections determine a form of small resistance to
movement through the water.

page_text: The outward curvature which I prefer to employ from the water line
to e in the lower part of the freeboard, combined with the channelled
structure presented on each side of the keel between it and the two
swelling bilges, as well as the peculiarly formed keel itself serves to
steady the vessel in the water and to diminish lee way, the keel itself
acting as a lee board.
The structure of the keel in combination with the bilges gives great
strength, and the downward and outward swell of the bilges and sides
gives great floatation and stability, and large internal accommodation.
In the Figures above referred to I have represented a short vessel,
but it may be readily understood that a similar construction is applicable
to a vessel of different proportions. A longer or shorter vessel might
be designed by extending or contracting the several curves of horizontal
and longitudinal sections in the direction of the length of the vessel
without proportionally extending or contracting them in the direction
of the width or depth. Or the curvature of those sections towards the
bow and stern might remain the same, the vessel being lengthened by
the introduction of any desired length of middle body between the fore
and aft portions. In Figs. 1 and 2" which correspond respectively with
Figs. 1 and 2 are shewn the lines of a vessel thus lengthened by the
introduction of an extended middle body.
Having thus described the nature of my Invention, and in what
manner the same is to be performed, I claim,-
First. The combination of an even keel, of section swelling upwards
and outwards, with bilges swelling outwards and downwards, whereby a
channelled structure is presented on each side of the keel tending to
diminish rolling and lee way, while strength of structure and capacity
are obtained, and the vessel is fitted to rest on an even bottom, sub-
stantially as herein described.
Second. The combination with keel and bilges as above described of
such a sweep of the bilges fore and aft that longitudinal sections, vertical
as well as horizontal, partake of the form of wave curves, a form of small
resistance being thereby obtained, substantially as herein described.
Third. The combination with the features named in the preceding
claims of an outward curvature of the side near and above the water

page_text: line, whereby additional stability and increased internal accomodation
are obtained, substantially as herein described.
In witness whereof, I, the said Hermann Hirsch, have hereunto
set my hand and seal, this Twenty-ninth day of October, in the
year of our Lord One thousand eight hundred and seventy-two.
HERMANN HIRSCH. (L.S.)