Notes

Abstract

THE close attention which the Emperor of Germany gives to scientific and technical subjects, and the personal interest he takes in the work of men who study them, have been shown on many occasions. The latest instance occurred on Monday, when, attended by a large naval staff, he was present at the annual general meeting of the Society of Naval Architects, founded three years ago on the plan of our own Institution of Naval Architects. The Times correspondent at Berlin states that the chief item in the programme was a lecture by Geheimrath Brinkmann on the changes which have been adopted in the disposition of guns in battleships and the results of these changes upon naval architecture. The lecturer pointed out the reasons which had caused the arrangement of the guns with the sole object of firing broadsides to be superseded. He spoke of the beginnings of independent systems of construction in Italy, in the United States and, to a certain extent, in Germany. In the course of the discussion reference was made to the advantage which Germany enjoyed in having the opportunity of constructing an entirely new navy while profiting by the experience of older naval powers, and it was pointed out that, as regards materials, German steel was excelled by none. To the surprise of the audience, the Emperor ascended the platform, and after beckoning all who were present to remain seated, spoke upon the subject of the influences of military requirements upon the development of naval construction and the disposition of artillery on ships. The presence of the Emperor at scientific and technical meetings is itself a mark of sympathy with their aims; and when, in addition, he shows himself keenly interested in the subjects discussed, the influence upon the public mind must be very great. To this influence must partly be ascribed the regard in which scientific investigation is held in Germany.