Mr John followed up his investigations on the longitudinal strength of merchant vessels viewed as girders by an inquiry into the transverse and other strains of ships, and in 1877 gave a valuable paper on the subject, from which a quotation has already been made, before the Institution of Naval Architects. The results of Mr John’s inquiry were such as demonstrated the need for systematic and thorough investigation of the subtle and intricate questions involved. This subject has been matter of study at Lloyd’s Register for several years, and in March, 1882, the results of inquiries conducted by Mr T. C. Bead and Mr P. Jenkins, members of the staff in London, and former students of the Royal Naval College, Greenwich, were communicated in an able paper by these gentlemen, read to the Institution of Naval Architects. It will of course be understood that many investigations of strength are instituted not necessarily out of fear that maximum strains may not be adequately allowed for, but because the dual quality of strength-with-lightness may possibly be better attained by modifications in the arrangements of material or sufficiently met by reduced scantling. The functions and influence of the Registration Societies, already commented upon (see footnote, page 103), are such as to obviate the need for strength investigations generally, or at least are such as to discourage shipbuilders from independently instituting them. Nevertheless, some well-known shipbuilders, who are also notable investigators, amongst whom may be named Inglis, Mansel, Denny, and Wigham Richardson, have done much valuable work in this connection. Mr Denny, in particular, has vigorously devoted himself to strength analysis on the basis of Lloyd’s methods of fixing scantling, and read several papers on the subject, in which strong exception is taken to present practice. The healthy criticism which such labours have enabled those making them to offer regarding the Registry systems of scantlings has not doubtless failed in influencing the legislation of the Registries. * * * * *