Though of
high scientific interest, the apparatus appears to have failed at the
time from its very sensitiveness; the waves on the surface of the sea
having a greater disturbing action on its readings than the change of
depth. Siemens took a great interest in this very original machine, and
also devised a form applicable to the measurement of heights. Although
he laid the subject aside for some years, he ultimately took it up
again, in hopes of producing a practical apparatus which would be of
immediate service in the cable expeditions of the s.s. Faraday.
This admirable cable steamer of 5,000 tons register was built for
Messrs. Siemens Brothers by Messrs. Mitchell & Co., at Newcastle. The
designs were mainly inspired by Siemens himself; and after the Hooper,
now the Silvertown, she was the second ship expressly built for cable
purposes. All the latest improvements that electric science and naval
engineering could suggest were in her united. With a length of 360
feet, a width of 52 feet, and a depth of 36 feet in the hold, she was
fitted with a rudder at each end, either of which could be locked when
desired, and the other brought into play. Two screw propellers, actuated
by a pair of compound engines, were the means of driving the vessel, and
they were placed at a slight angle to each other, so that when the
engines were worked in opposite directions the Faraday could turn
completely round in her own length.
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