He was himself a man of original views, free from bias, and always ready to strike out a fresh path in engineering works.

He was building a large new iron steamer at Bristol, the Great Britain, for passenger traffic between England and America.

He had intended to construct her as a paddle steamer; but hearing of the success of the Archimedes, he inspected the vessel, and was so satisfied with the performance of the screw that he recommended his directors to adopt this method for propelling the Great Britain.

His advice was adopted, and the vessel was altered so as to adapt her for the reception of the screw.

The vessel was found perfectly successful, and on her first voyage to London she attained the speed of ten knots an hour, though the wind and balance of tides were against her.