COMPLETE INITIATION INTO A KNOWLEDGE OF PRINCIPLES BY S. M. SAXBY, Esq., R.N. (LATE OF CAIUS COLL. CAMBRIDGE) PRINCIPAL INSTRUCTOR OF NAVAL ENGINEERS IN H. M. STEAM RESERVE: " LONDON: LONGMAN, GREEN, LONGMAN, AND ROBERTS. PREFACE. A BOOK is wanted in which the principles of steam are explained in a manner adapted to young officers in Her Majesty's Navy and the Merchant Service. The very completeness of some of the many really valuable works already published (so far as regards the treatment of certain subjects), is an obstacle to their use in elementary studies, because the information sought is scattered through so many pages, that a difficulty arises in the ready selection of matter fit for the educational purposes of judicious training. Herein is provided a course of study adapted either to those who have a knowledge of the engine itself, but have had no time to study principles, or to those who know little or nothing of the engine or of principles, but who desire an acquaintance with both. Those whose schoolboy days have long passed, but whose minds have been healthily exercised in vigorous active duties, require a peculiar measure of help in the pursuit of that knowledge which is essential to their proficiency. Various opinions exist as to the best mode in which to educate for the profession of an engineer. The writer's |