Re: [Paddlewise] FW: The Elements and Practice of Rigging and Seamanship (1794)

Natalie Wiest wrote:

> The Elements and Practice of Rigging And Seamanship, 1794, is a
> comprehensive English textbook of rigging, seamanship and naval tactics.
> A key reference for those interested in the age of Nelson. Although at
> times difficult because of its fine detail, it will reward those that
> search through it to understand the technology of the era.

Thanks for the link, Natalie!

For those who prefer hardcopies, Lee Valley publishes reprints of several 
similar books (e.g. A Young Officer's Sheet Anchor* - A key to leading, rigging 
and practical seamanship", 1808) at very reasonable prices.  Check their web site.

I for one am really glad that these sorts of books in all manner of technology, 
arts, fiction and non-fiction are being made available.  It shows just how 
sophisticated our ancestors really were.  I don't know about your early 
education, but when I was in grade school, we were taught essentially that 
people in the old days were dumb and we modern folks were smart.  Since then, 
I've learned that quite the opposite is true.  Recent archaeological evidence 
confirms that people thousands of years ago were essentially as smart as us; 
they just knew different things.

I only wish that electronic paper was more developed.  That's a technology where 
an electronically changeable "dye" on a sheet of plastic allows a page to 
display info dynamically and in a manner similar to paper.  The image is seen in 
reflected light.  I find backlit screens hard to read for very long and the 
thought of a computer that can roll up like a scroll and be read like a book 
appeals to me.  BTW - some of you may have a cell phone with such a tiny screen. 
  The Sony electronic book sold in Japan has this technology already (B&W not 
colour IIRC)

Mike

*A sheet anchor is a kind of backup anchor.  Hence, the book is the officer's 
"backup" reference book)
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