The Sailor's Word-Book / An Alphabetical Digest of Nautical Terms, including Some More Especially Military and Scientific, but Useful to Seamen; as well as Archaisms of Early Voyagers, etc.

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

26000

Title

The Sailor's Word-Book / An Alphabetical Digest of Nautical Terms, including Some More Especially Military and Scientific, but Useful to Seamen; as well as Archaisms of Early Voyagers, etc.

Language

en

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

A comprehensive alphabetical digest of nautical, military, and scientific terms compiled by the late Admiral W. H. Smyth. This posthumous work serves as an essential vade mecum for seamen, offering precise definitions of archaic vocabulary, obsolete spellings, and specialized jargon while preserving the authentic voice of early voyagers.

Summary up to 500 words

Compiled by the distinguished Admiral W. H. Smyth and revised by Vice-Admiral Sir E. Belcher, *The Sailor's Word-Book* stands as a definitive legacy for the naval profession. Originally conceived as a detailed nautical vade mecum, the project emerged from a collaborative effort involving Captain Basil Hall. Hall, who initially feared competition after preparing for a similar task for years, ultimately deferred to Smyth upon seeing the vast amount of material the Admiral had already amassed. Smyth, a man of methodical habits and a 'commonplacer' who stored every piece of information that could profit the seaman, executed his resolution to compile this work after reaching the age of sixty in 1858. Retreating to his quiet literary retreat at St. John's Lodge, he concentrated on reducing his lifetime of professional and general information for the press. The text functions as both a practical reference and a historical record, capturing the dialect, variant spellings, and obsolete terms of the age. It covers a vast array of subjects beyond standard seamanship, including fortification, ancient arms, natural history, and astronomy. This breadth reflects Smyth's dedication to the advancement of his noble profession, offering a rich repository of knowledge for officers, landsmen, and historians alike. The work is characterized by Smyth's terse, earnest style and his refusal to accept definitions without rigorous confirmation from accomplished contemporaries. It bridges the gap between technical naval science and general literature, interpreting old terms for the rising generation while preserving the wisdom of the 'old school.' Tragically, Smyth was cut off in September 1865, leaving this favorite manuscript to the affectionate care of his family and friends. They carefully revised the work, presenting it to the public in 1867. The book serves as a testament to Smyth's lifelong dedication, acting as a final, largest, and most important part of his collected works. It provides a comprehensive assemblage of interesting and instructive matter, valuable to both seamen and those on shore who possess a taste for nautical matters. Through its alphabetical digest of terms, from 'L' entries like 'Lubber' to 'Z', the volume ensures that the legacy of an officer highly appreciated by men of science endures, offering a guarantee of accuracy and depth for future generations.

LLM editorial rating

4.8/5

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Categories

• Naval Art and Science
• Military Art and Science