Born at Sheerness, September 20th, 1830. Educated at the School of Mathematics and Naval Construction, Portsmouth, and served in the Royal Dockyard, Sheerness. Leaving the Government service, he became the editor of the “Mechanics’ Magazine,” in which position he first became known as an authority on Naval Architecture. Was one of the originators of the Institution of Naval Architects in 1860, and for a number of years acted as Secretary to that body. Submitted proposals to the Admiralty concerning the construction of iron-clad ships, which were adopted in practice, and were so highly approved by the Board of Admiralty that their author was appointed Chief Constructor of the Royal Navy in 1863. During the time he held that office, designed iron-clad ships and vessels of war of every class for the British Navy, and also—with the consent of the Government—some iron-clad frigates for the Turkish Navy. In consequence of his objections to rigged sea-going turret ships with low freeboard, of the “Captain” class, and of the favour that type of ship found with the Board of Admiralty, resigned his office in July, 1870—a step rendered remarkably significant by the lamentable capsizing of the “Captain” two months later. Since his resignation, has designed iron-clad vessels and other classes of war ships for various Foreign Powers; numerous steam yachts, and smaller vessels. Has recently devised and patented a method of construction for war ships which will reduce to a minimum the destructive effect of marine torpedoes, and which promises to revolutionise present structural systems. Is the author of “Shipbuilding in Iron and Steel,” “Our Iron-clad Ships,” “Our Naval Coast Defences,” “Japan: Its History, Traditions, and Religions,” as well as of several papers contributed to the Institutions with which he is connected. Since his retirement from the Admiralty has received numerous recognitions of his professional skill and ability, including various decorations from Foreign Powers. Was created a Knight Commander of the Bath, in 1880. In 1874 was returned to Parliament in the Liberal interest as Member for the Pembroke Boroughs, which he represented till 1880, when he was elected for the important constituency of Cardiff. During the summer of 1883 was deputed by the Government to investigate and report upon the “Daphne” catastrophe on the Clyde, the results of which are elsewhere referred to in this work. In February of the present year was entrusted with the Presidency of the Committee appointed to enquire into the subject of the Load Line of vessels. [Illustration: Yours truly E. J. Reed (signature) INK-PHOTO, SPRAGUE & C^o. LONDON.] PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL NOTE. PROF. FRANCIS ELGAR. PROF. FRANCIS ELGAR,