PRINTED BY G. HAYDEN, LITTLE COLLEGE STREET, WESTMINSTER.

ΤΟ

THE RIGHT HONORABLE

LORD VISCOUNT MELVILLE,

K.T. F.R.S.

First Lord Commissioner of the Admiralty,

&c. &c. &c.

MY LORD,

The rapid progress which every branch of Nautical Science has made under your Lordship's Administration; a deep sense of veneration for the Memory of your noble and illustrious Father, to whom the Medical Department of the Royal Navy owe so much; and the fullest conviction of the salutary tendency of the means recommended; have induced me to address the following Essay toyour Lordship; being fully aware that, under your auspices, no measure has ever been omitted, by the present enlightened Board of Admiralty, which could clearly be shown would

contribute to the health and comfort of our mariners, or add to the physical strength of His Majesty's ships.

It was not so much with a view of protecting my opinions from the prejudices of long-established custom, as to obtain for them that consideration which so important a subject as the preservation of the health of British seamen and His Majesty's ships demands, that I ventured to solicit your suffrage; and if any thing can add to the honor I have in dedicating these Observations to your Lordship, it is that facility in which you were pleased to grant me permission.

I have the honor to be,

My Lord,

Your Lordship's

Most obedient humble Servant,

ROBT. FINLAYSON.

London,

12th August, 1824.

CONTENTS.

Proemial Observations.

Of the Baneful Influence of so frequently Washing Decks on

Page.

1

Of the Remedy against Humidity on the Lower Deck ....

Of the Time and Method of Washing the Main and Quarter

43

......

Of the Component Parts and Food of all Vegetables

Of the Offices Water performs during the Life, and after the

Death, of Vegetables...

47

52

53

53

56

Of the Changes from Heat to Moisture, and again from Moisture to Aridity, in hastening the Decay of Timber..

56

Of the Situations where Decay begins first in Houses and in

Ships

62

Of the Causes and Difference between Dry and Wet Rot in

Ships..

....

63

Of the absurdity of Spontaneous Germination from the Juices of the Timber.

65

Of the Diffusion and indestructible Quality of the Seeds of

Plants

Of the Means by which Fungi are propagated.

...

Of the Prevention of Dry and Wet Rot in Ships
Of Winter felled Timber and the Abstraction of Sap and

Moisture

66

67

68

Of Ventilating Ships.....

A better Method of Ventilating Ships recommended.......
Of the Use of Topical Applications in preserving Timber..
Of the Growth and Properties of Moss in preserving Timber