IMPROVEMENTS IN THE CONSTRUCTION OF SHIPS OR VESSELS
Year: 1862

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Thomas Anderson at the Office
of the Commissioners of Patents,, with his Petition, on the 10th
October 1862.
I, THOMAS ANDERSON, of Glasgow, 'in the County of Lanark, North
Britain, Mechanic, do hereby declare the nature of the said Invention
of "IMPROVEMENTS IN THE CONSTRUCTION OF SHIPS OR VESSELS," to be as
follows, that is to say :-
This Invention relates to the arrangement and construction of ships or
vessels suitable for the merchant service, and, under other modifications, for
vessels of war. Under one arrangement, as adapted for a passenger ship or
for carrying freight, the improved vessels consist of two hulls arranged parallel,
the inner face of each hull forming a vertical line in the same manner as if
an ordinary bull was cut asunder longitudinally, and the open part of each
half was shut in by a level facing of timber. These hulls are arranged at
some distance asunder, and are connected together by a deck, above which is
built another, and the sides are enclosed in the usual way; the area thus
obtained is of great extent, and may be fitted up with cabins or set apart for
cargo. The lower part of each hull may also be usefully employed for the
stowage of freight, stores, or other similar purpose. In the broad longitudinal
channel formed between the two hulls is fitted a central paddle wheel, and
outside the hulls are fitted two other paddle wheels in the ordinary position.
These propellers may be used either conjointly or otherwise according to the
speed at which the vessel is required to be driven. At the fore part of the

page_text: vessel is built a cutwater, which is pendent from the under side of the lower
deck. In passenger vessels the central part of the upper deck is occupied by
a saloon, the elevated position of which affords every facility for admitting
abundance of light, and obtaining complete ventilation, whilst the space outside
forms an excellent promenade owing to the great width of the deck. The
long narrow wedge-like form of the duplex hull admits of these vessels being
driven at a great speed, which is readily obtained by the increased propelling
surface. In conjunction with the important advantage of superior speed,
these vessels are much safer than those of the ordinary kind, and not so
liable to founder should they come into collision with another ship; they are
also much steadier on the water, and less liable to roll. These vessels may
also be fitted with a screw propeller at the stern of each hull in lieu of the
outside paddles, these propellers being worked in conjunction with the
central paddle. These vessels may also be rigged as sailing vessels, and from
the firm hold which the duplex hull has upon the water they are adapted for
carrying a much heavier press of canvas than could with safety be borne in a
vessel of the ordinary kind. It is obvious that vessels of this construction may
be readily adapted for vessels of war by dispensing with the outside paddles,
and forming the sides of the ship between the decks of metal plates angularly
disposed. The great width between decks would afford every facility for
fighting guns of the largest calibre; on the upper deck cupolas or other
similar shot-proof structures might be arranged, as found desirable.