Record

Ref No	DM1306/11/23/130
Title	Letter from an anonymous author to Isambard Kingdom Brunel about the launching of the Great Eastern
Description	The letter suggests that gunpowder fired from cannon against strong shields placed behind and alongside the cradles might produce a concussive effect which will start the ship down the launching ways. The writer suggests that the cannons might all be fired by galvanic (electric) current to ensure that they fire simultaneously. The letter also suggests that hauling from the river might increase the friction of the cradles on the launching ways. To alleviate this the writer suggests attaching the river tackle to the cradle and then passing them over drums set on a strong framework which also travels along the launching ways.
Date	17 December 1857
Format	Manuscript
Extent	1 letter
Access Conditions	This material is held at the Brunel Institute - please contact the Brunel Institute to arrange access.

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