Observations in reply to the opinions of the Elder Brethren of the Trinity Houses of London, Newcastle, and Kingston-upon-Hull, contained in their several reports of the 8th February, 5th March, and 9th April, 1813 ... on the plan submitted to ascertain 'the real merits and benefits of a general establishment for the preservation from shipwreck' / [George William Manby].
- George William Manby
- Date:
- [1814]
Licence: Public Domain Mark
Credit: Observations in reply to the opinions of the Elder Brethren of the Trinity Houses of London, Newcastle, and Kingston-upon-Hull, contained in their several reports of the 8th February, 5th March, and 9th April, 1813 ... on the plan submitted to ascertain 'the real merits and benefits of a general establishment for the preservation from shipwreck' / [George William Manby]. Source: Wellcome Collection.
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![. . ‘ removing ignorance by instruction in the fishermen or peasants|J, whom the Brethren (put¬ ting an extreme case) sunnose the only persons that are to be on the spot to direct it’s application. But, surely, it is leaving reason to suppose, that there is to be no instruction given to those, who, nearest the depot of the apparatus, are to direct it. Little instruction will be necessary; for the simplicity of the invention will ensure easy acquirement. Nothing can vouch more strongly in favour of this simplicity, than the obstinacy, with which every one on it’s production allowing it’s merit, yet denied it’s originality. Nobody would believe, that what now seemed so plain and obvious in it’s use, had at this late day yet to be first applied, ’■ So^ easy it seem’d, <l Once found. The fishermen and peasants at the places, where it is already stationed, (Yarmouth and Winterton,) understand and can direct, it’s application. The novelty and importance of a process, in which {to borrow the elegant expression of the Noble President of the Society of Arts) an instrument, which had hitherto been only used for their destruction, is turned to the preservation of mankind, excites the most eager curiosity and the deepest attention. The expertness thus soon acquired, will soon be sufficiently communicated and retained; for what one knows, he will readily teach to others eager to learn; and knowledge, thus associated in the mind, is not easily forgotten. The Brethren of the Trinity Houses of London and Newcastle, appear to have felt so assured of rejection on other grounds, that the expence to the Government, attendant on .the adoption of the apparatus, though mentioned by them, is not urged. I deceive myself greatly, if this, however, is not the only objection now left them; and, I trust, with the help of a little calculation, to dislodge them from this also. I agree with the Brethren, (however our sense of dignity may be offended byr the idea, however humanity may start back from it,) that even human life must be the subject of calculation; and, if the lives of a small number cannot be preserved, but at the surrender of the general convenience, the general convenience is to be preferred. But to each his own life is inestimable, and policy, as well as humanity, advises, that it should not be held in light; value by others. On the coast of a single countyf ninety-nine seamen have been rescued from shipwreck by the apparatus, during the last four years. Computing the other maritime counties of Great Britain at no more than twenty, and their contingency to shipwreck, under the peculiar circumstances, in which this mode of relief is alone efficacious, but in the proportion of one half to Norfolk, the number of lives saved, within the last four years, would have been one thousand and eighty-nine,—two hundred and seventy-two in each year. Two hundred and fifty of the apparatus, (the utmost number required for the whole coast of Great Britain,) at twenty pounds each, would make the cost of the original establishment Five thousand pounds. Superintendance and to maintain them in repair, would require fifteen hundred pounds annually. Is this] I would ask the Brethren of the Trinity, a sum to be weighed, by a nation so wealthy, against the lives of so many of the promoters and defenders of it’s wealth ? I am sure of their answer. If the apparatus be useless, discussion on it should never reach to the considei\ti°n of expence. If, on the other hand, on balancing their Reports with my Observatioiisljn them, they should change their opinions, and admit it’s indubitable adequacy to it’s design, they will never, by leaving this danger open, consent to the loss of so many lives; and with them, perhaps, the skill and courage, that might have been preserved to secure the defence or increase the glory of the country: they will not, by giving their voices against so important an establishment, from too nice a con¬ sideration of cost to the nation, resemble the parents, who, to avoid the burthen of their maintenance, expose to contagion the children, sent them, perhaps, by a Providence, which their blind parsimony disappointed, to be their support in the destined hour of indigence and affliction. London, 21 st March, 1814. GEO. Wm. MANBY. || The Lecture, illustrated with explanatory representations, was published for the specific purpose of igeneral instruction. * Norfolk. iisaAK* Printed by W. CALVERT, Great Shire Lane, Lincolti’s-Irm, London.](https://iiif.wellcomecollection.org/image/b31906904_0008.jp2/full/800%2C/0/default.jpg)
