[48] In his work on the Electric Telegraph, the late Mr. Robert Sabine said: "At the date of the first Atlantic cable, the engineering department was far ahead of the electrical. The cable was successfully laid--mechanically good, but electrically bad." Its electrical failure was, of course, bound to spell commercial failure, no matter how great its success as an engineering feat. [49] In his presidential address to the Institution of Electrical Engineers in 1889, Lord Kelvin (the Professor Thomson referred to in these pages) said: "The first Atlantic cable gave me the happiness and privilege of meeting and working with the late Sir Charles Bright. He was the engineer of this great undertaking--full of vigor, full of enthusiasm. We were shipmates on the Agamemnon on the ever-memorable expedition of 1858, during which we were out of sight of land for thirty-three days. To Sir C. Bright's vigor, earnestness, and enthusiasm was due the successful laying of the cable. We must always feel deeply indebted to our late colleague as a pioneer in that great work, when other engineers would not look at it, and thought it absolutely impracticable." [50] Encyclopædia Britannica, 8th edition, 1860. Article on The Electric Telegraph, by Prof. W. Thomson, F.R.S. [51] Mr. Croskey also subsequently found the bulk of the capital for the exploring expeditions. [52] Later Admiral Sir Leopold M'Clintock, K.C.B., LL.D., F.R.S. [53] Now Sir Allen Young, C. B. [54] The reproduction given here is from a photograph kindly lent by Sir Allen Young. [55] In consolidating the texture of the gutta-percha, pressure increases its electrical resistance, unless a flaw exists such as would then be immediately brought to light. [56] See Submarine Telegraphs. [57] Mr. Field compassed land and sea incessantly for the purpose of agitating the subject. He is said to have crossed the Atlantic altogether sixty-four times--suffering from sea sickness on each occasion--in connection with this great enterprise in which he formed so prominent a figure. [58] Afterward Sir John Pender, G.C.M.G., M.P. [59] The increased breaking strain here afforded over that of the first Atlantic line was partly due to the great improvement made in the manufacture of iron wire during the interval. [60] Experience has since taught us, however, that such a type lacks durability, owing to the rapid decay of the hemp between the iron wires and the sea. [61] The Great Eastern, in point of size, was only a little before her time. In the present day, with improved engines, she could be usefully and profitably employed, had she not been broken up. [62] Afterward the able manager of the Eastern Telegraph Company. [63] Life-Story of Sir C. T. Bright.