Reports of the Late John Smeaton
Made on Various Occasions, in the Course of his Employment as a Civil Engineer

Published 1812–14, this illustrated four-volume set contains the reports and technical papers of Britain's foremost eighteenth-century civil engineer.

John Smeaton (Author)

9781108069779, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 11 September 2014

508 pages, 32 b/w illus.
29.8 x 21 x 2.5 cm, 1.3 kg

Celebrated for his construction of the Eddystone Lighthouse near Plymouth, John Smeaton (1724–92) established himself as Britain's foremost civil engineer in the eighteenth century. A founder member of the Society of Civil Engineers, he was instrumental in promoting the growth of the profession. After his death his papers were acquired by the president of the Royal Society, Sir Joseph Banks, Smeaton's friend and patron. Using these materials, a special committee decided to publish 'every paper of any consequence' written by Smeaton, as a 'fund of practical instruction' for current and future engineers. These were published in four illustrated volumes between 1812 and 1814. Volume 1 contains correspondence with and reports for clients regarding waterworks, canals, bridges, lighthouses and other engineering works, including harbour improvements at Christchurch, Bristol and Whitby. It also contains descriptions of some of Smeaton's inventions, such as an improved fire engine.

Preface
Some account of the life of John Smeaton
Reports.

Subject Areas: History of science [PDX]