THE FORMS OF SHIPS AND BOATS Hints Experimentally Derived on Some of the Principles Regulating Ship-Building by William Bland, Esq. An early attempt at codifying some of the laws of hydrodynamics as they apply to the forms of ships and boats. From Chapter 1: "Much difference of opinion having of late years prevailed respecting the true form of Ships and Boats, I have been induced to make a Series of Experiments with models of wood, for the purpose of ascertaining, by a careful notation of results, what may be considered as the governing laws; and I flatter myself I have been successful, in some measure, in detecting a few of the leading principles which influence the speed, the stability, and the safety of vessels impelled by the wind, the oar, and steam." HOME PAGE