The Principles and Practice of Canal and River Engineering

One of the leading figures in the age of great engineers, David Stevenson (1815–86) is best remembered for his work on inland navigation and lighthouses. Published in 1872, this second edition of what was originally an article for the Encyclopaedia Britannica remained the definitive text on the subject into the twentieth century.

One of the leading figures in the age of great engineers, David Stevenson (1815–86) was the son of a lighthouse builder, and while studying at Edinburgh University he was already gaining experience at his father's side. It is for his lighthouses and works of inland navigation that he is best remembered: he designed Britain's most northerly lighthouse and worked on improving navigation on rivers such as the Dee, the Forth and the Clyde. His article on inland navigation for the Encyclopaedia Britannica was published separately in 1858, and was revised and updated for this second edition in 1872. Although Stevenson acknowledges that the age of the canal has been superseded by the age of the railway, he maintains that there is much to learn from the older technology. Illustrated with cross-sections and plans, this work will be of interest to readers seeking to explore the history of Britain's industrial infrastructure.